Abuja: The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has proposed a budget of N229.999 billion for the 2026 fiscal year as part of efforts to strengthen road maintenance operations and improve connectivity nationwide. The Minister of State for Works and Supervising Minister of FERMA, Bello Goronyo, made the proposal when presenting the 2025 Appropriation Act performance review and 2026 budget defense before the Joint Senate and House Committees on FERMA.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, in a statement signed by Maryam Sanusi, Director Information and Public Relations, FERMA, Goronyo said the proposed appropriation comprised N191 billion for capital expenditure, N5 billion for personnel costs, and N33 billion for overhead expenses. He said that although the agency had the required technical expertise to effectively discharge its mandate, inadequate funding remained its primary constraint.
Goronyo stated that project allocations in the 2026 proposal cut across all states of the Federation, reflecting FERMA’s commitment to equitable and strategic road maintenance nationwide. He emphasized the importance of legislative support, highlighting the implementation of the 2025 five percent fossil fuel surcharge under Section 159 of the New Task Force Act as essential for including FERMA in the distribution template, aligning with global best practices.
Expressing appreciation to the Committees for their oversight and support, Goronyo underscored the critical partnership between the Legislature and FERMA. He appealed for sustained legislative backing to unlock FERMA’s full operational capacity and accelerate critical interventions on federal roads across all regions.
Chukwuemeka Agbasi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FERMA, reiterated the funding challenges confronting the Agency and highlighted key performance indicators achieved in 2025. Agbasi listed the achievements of FERMA, including the maintenance of 200.82km of roads, 31,574.29 square metres of potholes patched, making 1,655.89km of roads motorable, and constructing 10,311 metres of drainage. Other achievements included reinstating 19 washouts, maintaining three bridges, and installing 4,013 streetlight poles.
However, Agbasi noted several challenges affecting optimal performance, including budgetary releases falling short of targets, distressed and aged pavements, road abuse, climate change-related emergencies, particularly in flood-prone areas, and security concerns in certain regions. He stressed the importance of harmonizing the national budget cycle with procurement processes to ensure road projects are executed during the dry season, enhancing timely delivery and cost-effectiveness.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA, Sen. Sahabi Ya’u, the Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, and other committee members commended the agency for its efforts in maintaining federal roads. Ya’u encouraged the agency to sustain its performance and strive for greater efficiency in response to feedback from members of the National Assembly. Oseni urged FERMA to strengthen project delivery standards and ensure value for money.