The Nation Newspaper

Tag: FERMA

  • Union dismisses corruption claim against FERMA board

    Union dismisses corruption claim against FERMA board

    The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Joint Union has dismissed the corruption allegations and abuse of power levelled against the 6th Governing Board and its Chairman, Musa Babayo.

    Chairmen of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Paul Onimisi, and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Idris Abdulmumin, in a statement on Sunday, said the allegations were not true.

    According to them, the publications and press releases did not emanate from the joint union and did not reflect the union’s view and position.

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    Onimisi explained that the union, as a democratic body, believed in decorum and due diligence in all its operations and found the claims offensive and belittling, adding that they did not make those statements nor endorse such contents therein.

    He pointed out that the publication might have arisen from those he called “unscrupulous persons” who want to use the name of the joint union to score cheap personal points.

    He accused the media houses that published the press releases of failing to do their due diligence, as the signatures and names used were scanned and lifted by unknown mischievous persons who are bent on tarnishing the union’s reputation.

    “The Joint Union, therefore, distances itself entirely from that publication and requests that it be retracted because it’s mischievous and malicious. The Union remains committed to constructive engagements on the Agency’s operations.

    “The Union pledges its allegiance to the 6th Governing Board Chairman, the Management of FERMA and its staff so long as it is within the ambit of the Public Service Rule (PSR) and the FERMA Act towards achieving the Agency’s legitimate statutory mandate,” the statement added.

  • Can FERMA redeem FESTAC roads?

    Can FERMA redeem FESTAC roads?

    The residence for the participants at the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, 1977, turned into a major residential hub otherwise known as FESTAC Town, Lagos, after the music, songs and drama had died down. That cultural fiesta, at the National Theatre, Lagos, now known as Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, showcased Nigeria’s pre-eminence as a wealthy black nation. It brought unprecedented pomp and pageantry to lovers of art in Nigeria, Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, as black nations showcased a potpourri of its diverse and rich culture to the world. 

    Nigeria which was swimming in the ocean of unprecedented oil wealth, the black gold, built that beautiful city, arguably reputed to be the finest city in Africa then to house the participants at the cultural event. The purpose built self-sufficient town, with an estimated 5,000 housing units, had underground drainage, electricity, plumbing, telecommunication and waste disposal system, making that one of its major attraction. Its well-designed paved streets named as roads and closes, which was systematically numbered, added to its uniqueness.

    In its early years, the town could be compared to any city in the world. The electricity supply was complemented by automatic giant silent power generators at designated places, which ensured uninterrupted power supply. Telecommunications, inherited from the cultural fiesta was top notch, as with a few coins, one can reach any part of the world. The underground concreate flash water and waste disposal system was a marvel for any first time visitor. Few minutes after any heavy rain fall, the dry roads will crystalize in its scenic beauties.          

    Then, it was unthinkable for anyone to develop any unauthorized building, or shops in the many open spaces, which was a delight for children and young adults. Those open spaces allowed one to walk from one end of the city to the other, in between the houses. Across the first, second, third, fourth and fifth avenues, there were pre-planned open play-fields, shopping malls, with different cadres of buildings, ordered in a such a manner that the flats, the houses, the semi-detached houses, and the duplexes were chorographically intertwined.

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    The houses were designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9 and T10, referring to one-room flat, two-room flat, two-room house, three-room flats, three-room semi-detached, and two models of four-room fully detached.  All the houses were put up for lottery, for Nigerian civil servants, to ballot, after the music and drama had died down. While the top civil servants won and lived in the bigger houses, the junior ones had opportunities to win and live in the smaller ones. The combination and nearness of the different categories provided an undulating beauty of human, mortar and bricks.

    The town had a buffer zone, between the Badagry expressway and the nearest road, the 2nd avenue, which served as water collection buffer, as well as security for the residence. Then, it was unthinkable for anyone to aspire to buy and build on that buffer. Indeed, the residents who were mainly civil servants had a very strong residents’ association which could take on any administrator, who tried to play game with the orderliness and scenic beauty of the iconic town.

    The first manager of the town, Fortune Ebie, had a no-nonsense reputation, which was as tall as the Izaga. The genial fellow would not countenance any action that could debilitate the beautiful baby entrusted to his care. The public transport system and other infrastructure inherited from the festival of arts and culture, was up and running for many years, and living in FESTAC was beautiful. Those who had houses of their own could not wish for a better town to own a house and live in.

    But not anymore. The glory of FESTAC had since departed. Indeed, many who could afford it have sold their residences and moved to other parts of Lagos to buy new residential accommodation. The level of deterioration is so much that it is now a heavy burden to live in the town. None of the infrastructure has been spared in the devastation that has become the lot of the town. Take the underground water drainage, most of it had collapsed, and now when the rain falls, most of the closes and roads are flooded.

    Sadly, some greedy officials of the Federal Housing Authority which manages the town, sold off the buffer zone and open spaces housing the chambers to access the underground drainage, and those acts have helped the underground drainages to collapse. For lack of maintenance, the underground electricity wiring systems have mostly collapsed. With the electricity company offering variety of bands, overhead wires are now running riot as residents try to outdo each other seeking direct supply lines.

    But the greatest challenge facing the town is the state of the roads, especially in the last few years. Many of the roads have craters and it was a major campaign issue during the last local government election in July. The roads have since given birth to many conspiracy theories. One of such claim was that the roads were abandoned by the local government, because the residents did not vote for the ruling party in the previous local, state and federal government elections.

    But during the campaigns for the last local government election, Prince Lanre Sanusi, explained the limitations of the local council to muster the huge resources needed to rebuild the major roads in the town. He promised that if elected, he will use his goodwill with the state and federal officials of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), to attract the relevant federal authorities to repair and rebuild the major roads. Many had dismissed the promise with a wave of hand.

    But last week, this writer was excited to see the rehabilitation of some failed portions of the 4th avenue road. To ensure that there is no doubt about which institution had brought such succour to the long suffering people of FESTAC, the roads had inscription of FERMA project boldly written on them. This writer hopes that FERMA would do more of such rehabilitations to save the residents the misery that bad roads have turned their lives into within the town.

    The gratitude of the residents of FESTAC town would be immeasurable, if FERMA should repair the dilapidated portions of the 1st and 2nd avenues, which are in intolerable states. There have also been promises by the Federal Housing Authority to repair the 2nd avenue road, linking the interchange to the Badagry expressway. That promise should be kept, without any further delay, especially with the unprecedented huge increases in the rates and charges by the Federal Housing Authority.

    With the APC in power at the local council, the state and federal level, there is no better way to promote the party, as caring and responsive, than by taking steps to substantially restore the lost glory of the world famous, FESTAC town.

  • Yuletide rush: FERMA launches massive road fix as OCYD 3.0 begins in Akwa Ibom

    Yuletide rush: FERMA launches massive road fix as OCYD 3.0 begins in Akwa Ibom

    Ahead of the Yuletide season, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) says it is intensifying efforts to ensure smoother travel experiences for Nigerians by launching Operation Connect to Your Destination (OCYD) 3.0 along the 36km Ekparakwa–Azumini–Iwukem Road in Akwa Ibom State.

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Managing Director/CEO of FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi PhD, said the initiative was crafted to alleviate travel challenges typically experienced at the end of the month and during the festive season.

    He revealed that as part of the nationwide intervention, 10,683 m² of potholes will be patched, 7,392 m² of failed sections repaired, and 881 m² of asphaltic overlay completed, culminating in the restoration of 85.9 kilometres of motorable roadway nationwide. The programme is also expected to generate 1,722 jobs, underscoring its socioeconomic impact.

    This renewed push, according to the FERMA helmsman, aligns with the federal mandate to maintain all federal roads and keep them serviceable—an urgent necessity as Nigeria’s 36,000-kilometre federal road network remains the country’s most heavily used transport system.

    He further noted that the intervention is fully in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure revival, economic stimulation, and improved mobility for citizens. By making federal highways safer and more motorable, FERMA is directly contributing to the administration’s vision of a more connected, efficient, and economically vibrant Nigeria.

    “Operation Connect to Your Destination is designed to guarantee free and safe movement of commuters, especially during the Yuletide when travel volume increases. It is important to ensure that travellers enjoy a smooth experience during this period,” Agbasi said.

    He affirmed the agency’s dedication to addressing trouble spots, insisting that FERMA is consistently fulfilling its mandate.

    Read Also: FERMA flags off Operation Safeguard the Road programme

    “Our responsibility is to ensure that failures, potholes, and distressed sections on the network are remedied promptly. This programme helps us deliver that mandate in a more targeted and effective manner,” he added.

    Agbasi noted that OCYD 3.0 will run across 39 major corridors nationwide, with maintenance activities in progress in all 36 states. The ongoing works include pothole patching, repairs of failed sections, and asphaltic overlays aimed at strengthening overall road quality.

    Also speaking, Engr. Sani Abdulkadir, Head of FERMA’s Direct Labour Unit, commended the Managing Director’s leadership, confirming that the teams are fully mobilized, promising to deliver on the targets.

    “The MD has given clear direction for this intervention. Manpower, machines, and materials are already on ground. We are set to deliver quality work on this corridor,” Abdulkadir said.

    He assured that the Direct Labour teams are committed to timely and durable execution, especially ahead of the increased festive traffic.

    The launch of OCYD 3.0 in Akwa Ibom State stands as yet another demonstration of FERMA’s expanding footprint in safeguarding Nigeria’s highways. By tackling critical road failures, enhancing connectivity, improving journey time experience and improving safety standards, the agency continues to play a defining role in keeping the nation’s federal roads motorable.

  • FERMA launches ‘Operation Safeguard the Road’ in Oyo

    FERMA launches ‘Operation Safeguard the Road’ in Oyo

    …pledges safer highways across Nigeria

    The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Oyo State Field Office, has launched Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR), a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting Nigeria’s federal road infrastructure and enhancing safety for all road users.

    The programme, according to the agency, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for safer, more durable, and sustainable road networks across the country.

    Speaking at the event held at the Lagos–Ibadan Toll Gate, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer (FRME) for Oyo State, Engr. Babatunde Adepoju, described the initiative—conceived under the leadership of FERMA Managing Director, Engr. Emeka Agbasi—as a milestone in the agency’s mission to safeguard national road assets.

    “We are committed to making our roads safer and more motorable by ensuring clear visibility for motorists, free-flowing drainage systems, and proper maintenance of road furniture,” Adepoju stated.

    He explained that the operation would include clearing roadside vegetation, desilting blocked drains and hydraulic structures, improving traffic management, and patching potholes along key corridors in the state.

    “Our roads are vital to Nigeria’s economy—they connect communities, power business activities, and serve as lifelines for social and economic development. Protecting them is a collective responsibility we owe to ourselves and the next generation,” he added.

    Adepoju also revealed that the programme would provide short-term employment for over 50 local youths working along the 43-kilometre stretch currently under the project. “Their engagement has been properly documented to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.

    He thanked FERMA’s Managing Director, represented by the South West I Zonal Director, Engr. B.O. Aina, alongside representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), for their support.

    Acknowledging the challenges of maintaining Nigeria’s vast federal road network amid limited resources and rising costs, Adepoju appealed for public understanding and cooperation.

    “The government is doing everything possible to improve our roads, but development takes time. Economic realities and the high cost of materials have made maintenance more difficult, yet FERMA remains committed to delivering results,” he said.

    He also condemned acts of vandalism by individuals who damage newly repaired roads, particularly traders who dig potholes to slow vehicles for commercial gain.

    “These roads are funded by taxpayers. Damaging them wastes public money. Protecting our infrastructure is a shared duty,” he warned.

    In his remarks, Zonal Director Aina urged Nigerians to adopt a stronger maintenance culture to preserve public infrastructure.

    Other stakeholders—including representatives of the Police, FRSC, NSCDC, and the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS)—commended FERMA for the initiative, describing it as “timely and proactive.”

    They linked many road crashes to reckless driving and poor road habits, especially among truck and trailer drivers on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, and called for stronger collaboration and intensified public awareness to promote road safety and reduce preventable accidents.

  • FERMA flags off Operation Safeguard the Road programme

    FERMA flags off Operation Safeguard the Road programme

    The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has officially flagged off Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR) programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at keeping federal roads in good condition while creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

     Speaking during the flagoff programme at Federal Government College, along Zuba–Abaji–Lokoja Road, Kwali, Abuja on Thursday Managing Director/CEO, of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency FERMA Engr. Dr Emeka Agbasi FNSE described the programme as a milestone in the Agency’s maintenance calendar.

     “Today marks another important milestone in our maintenance programme as the year gradually draws to a close,” he said. “Operation Safeguard the Road is designed not only to keep good roads in good condition but also to create opportunities for unemployed youths, especially those living in communities along federal highways.” Agbasi said

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     Agbasi emphasized the central role of road infrastructure in national development. “Good roads are enablers of trade, access to healthcare, education, and even national security. When roads are neglected, the cost of repair becomes enormous, but with preventive maintenance, we can safeguard lives and preserve our investments.” he said

     He explained that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to maximize the serviceability of existing road assets while contributing to socio-economic growth and poverty alleviation. “By engaging youths in routine road maintenance activities, we are simultaneously improving the roads and empowering our young citizens with income, skills, and a sense of purpose,” he added.

     According to Agbasi, the programme is designed to deliver multiple benefits beyond pavement repairs. “When roads are safe and passable, businesses flourish, communities are better connected, and emergency services can operate efficiently,” he said. “At the same time, the stipend our youths receive is more than just income; it strengthens households, helps pay school fees, improves access to healthcare, and even ensures that families can provide three square meals a day.”

     He emphasized that engaging local youths fosters community cohesion. “By working together on these projects, residents feel ownership of the roads that serve them daily. The initiative promotes social stability, resilience in hardship, and a sense of pride in collective effort.”

     Meanwhile, Engr. Ibrahim Ismaila Head of FERMA’s Public Works Unit (PWU), which oversees the OSGR programme, highlighted its dual purpose of road maintenance and youth empowerment.

     “OSGR addresses two critical challenges: the decay of our road infrastructure and youth unemployment,” he explained. “We recruit unemployed youths between the ages of 18 and 45 from communities along selected road corridors. They receive orientation on safety, proper tool usage, and work expectations before being deployed to the field,” he said

     Participants carry out vegetation clearance, desilting of drainages, and minor repairs such as pothole patching using stockpiled materials. They are equipped with cutlasses, shovels, wheelbarrows, and reflective jackets, and receive a monthly stipend providing much-needed financial support for their families.

     With the flag-off of the 2025 edition, FERMA has once again reaffirmed its dual commitment to infrastructure development and human empowerment, ensuring that federal roads remain serviceable while Nigerian youths are given a stake in national progress.

  • 5% fuel surcharge: Myths, facts, and how it helps our transport infrastructure

    5% fuel surcharge: Myths, facts, and how it helps our transport infrastructure

    It’s me again, here to clear the air. I am confident in this government and its vision, so I want to set the record straight. If you have been scrolling through social media or catching the news, you have probably seen people talking about a “5% fuel surcharge.” Some say it will hit our pumps in January 2026, while others claim it is a new tax meant to make life harder for Nigerians.

    A fuel surcharge is a small extra charge on fuel, meant for a specific purpose. In this case, it is for our roads and transport infrastructure. The goal is to lower the cost of moving goods and people, ease logistics, and ultimately help bring down inflation.

    The 5% surcharge has been around since 2007 under the FERMA Act, and its job is to make sure there’s money set aside for fixing and maintaining them. It is not a tax the government can use however it likes, and it is definitely not about immediately taking more from us at petrol stations.

    The 2025 Tax Act didn’t create a new surcharge. What it does is modernize it, put it in a clear framework, and make it more transparent. This means the law is easier to understand, and everyone knows exactly how the money will be used.

    Here’s the thing: a lot of Nigerians don’t understand: the 5% fuel surcharge won’t automatically kick in January 2026. Before anything happens, the Minister of Finance has to give the official go-ahead, and it has to be published in the Official Gazette. This means Nigerians have time to plan, and families using household fuels like kerosene, cooking gas (LPG), CNG, or renewable energy won’t feel any impact.

    So why should we see this as a good step? Over the past two years, this administration has already delivered noticeable improvements on several roads across the country. Highways like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Abuja-Kaduna Road, and sections of the Enugu-Onitsha route have seen repairs and upgrades, making travel faster and more comfortable. With the 5% fuel surcharge, the government can continue this progress and expand it to more states.

    Some people ask why the government can’t simply use the money saved from fuel subsidies instead. While subsidy savings do help, those funds are already stretched across education, healthcare, security, and other urgent national priorities. Having this surcharge means transport infrastructure all over Nigeria has its own dedicated money, so it doesn’t have to compete with other pressing needs and can be spent consistently where it matters most.

    No need for all the back-and-forth. This 5% fuel surcharge is simply a way to make our roads and transport systems better and safer for everyone. With this fund, more roads across the country can be fixed and maintained properly, so that drivers, traders, and commuters don’t have to struggle with bad roads. Cars will last longer, goods will move faster, and our daily journeys to work, school, or market will be much easier. It’s a small step today that promises a big difference for Nigerians tomorrow.

    Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service. Contact@arabinrinaderonke.com

  • FERMA: Sustaining road infrastructure maintenance

    FERMA: Sustaining road infrastructure maintenance

    With the mythical ‘ember’ months already here, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has strengthened its resolve to advance sustainable road infrastructure maintenance in the country through various innovative approaches. The agency is poised to adopt global standards to improve road safety, quality and road asset management. From strategic partnerships with foreign agencies to a transformative approach to road infrastructure maintenance, it continues to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development as a catalyst for national progress. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports

    In this part of the world, there is an inexplicable myth woven around the ‘ember’ months–September to December. People believe the period comes with ominous signs and is usually tragic, particularly with upsurge in road crashes.

    But in reality, there is always increase in the tempo of public, private and corporate activities during this period. The roads become busier; there is a mad rush to embark on travels, especially when the Yuletide approaches.

    Unsurprisingly, commercial drivers, who normally do three trips in a day, do eight or even more, leading to excessive speeding, which comes with varying degrees of fatalities.

    Statistics have revealed that 2,650 road traffic crashes killed 1,593 Nigerians in the first quarter of this year, though compared to last year, the number of crashes was lower.

    With this in mind, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) is not resting on its oars, not only to deliver on its mandate,  but also to ensure that the roads are no longer deemed death traps.

    The agency principally curbs road accidents by maintaining and repairing roads, which directly addresses the issue of poor road conditions as a major cause of accidents in the country.

    While the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) handles enforcement and public awareness, FERMA is focused on restoring infrastructure through sustained surveillance, accelerated repairs and preventive maintenance, ensuring safer roads and making them more reliable for movement.

    Its mandate is to properly maintain and repair federal highways, a critical role in reducing accidents caused by potholes, collapsed roads, and generally poor road conditions.

    The agency’s work complements the efforts of the FRSC, which focuses on driver behaviour, vehicle safety and public awareness campaigns. By making the roads motorable, FERMA provides a foundation for other measures to be more effective.

    While FERMA’s activities are part of the government’s blueprint to improve road infrastructure, boost the functionality of roads and economic development, the agency has a vital role to ensure that the road network itself is solid, which is a basic step to curbing road accidents.

    Nevertheless, in its drive to fulfill its mandate, the agency recently signed a two-year strategic agreement with the Global Cooperation Promotion Research Centre (GCPRC) to advance sustainable road infrastructure in Nigeria.

    The collaboration is aimed at leveraging international best practices, especially China’s expertise, in federal road repairs, maintenance, transportation security and road asset management. GCPRC, a think tank established in February this year under Nigeria’s Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, focuses on strengthening global cooperation and fostering Nigeria-China relations.

    The partnership emphasises technology transfer, innovation, and capacity building to enhance Nigeria’s ability to manage its road networks sustainably.

    FERMA’s Managing Director, Dr Emeka Agbasi, underscored the significance of adopting global standards to improve road safety and quality. GCPRC’s Director, Li Zhensheng noted the partnership’s broader goal of economic growth and bilateral cooperation beyond road infrastructure.

    Agbasi noted that the MoU signing is a major milestone for the agency and the country.

    He said: “Our mandate has always been to maintain and improve the federal road network, and through this agreement with GCPRC, we are positioning ourselves to adopt global best practices in road asset management, maintenance technology and capacity building. This collaboration will not only improve the condition and safety of our roads, but also strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to sustainably manage critical infrastructure well into the future.”

    The two-year partnership, renewable by mutual consent, sets a foundation for long-term collaboration to transform Nigeria’s federal road network and infrastructure management while deepening Nigeria-China ties.

    Interestingly, FERMA does not want to rest on its laurels. The agency had, some months back, received road construction and maintenance equipment funded by Japan’s Grant Aid FY2020-2 under the Economic and Social Development Programme.

    Agbasi described the equipment as a major investment and addition to the agency’s plant and sundry equipment and a significant step forward in its mission to efficiently and effectively monitor and administer road maintenance with the objective of keeping all federal roads in good and safe conditions.

    “In pursuit of excellence, exploratory meetings that began years ago between FERMA and Japanese authorities gave birth to the event. The meetings focused on deepening existing relationships and creating partnership opportunities.

    “The agency identified the need to significantly build and improve in-house capacity required to recover failed road sections, and undertake all routine and periodic maintenance.  Capacity strengthening through the acquisition of road equipment will greatly impact the Agency’s objectives to increase the utility of Nigeria’s road infrastructure by maximising asset utilisation.

    “The 3-in-1 road stabiliser equipment can be utilised for in-place base course construction and/or subgrade rehabilitation. The stabilisation construction method is expected to have a significant impact on the recovery of degraded sections of the road network, and the supply records have shown potential benefits associated with cost and time savings, and environmental friendliness (recycling of existing roads).

    “The road maintenance and construction equipment received from  Japan comprises Road Stabiliser/SAKAI, Asphalt Lorry/HANTA, Vibratory Single Drum Roller/SAKAI, Pneumatic Tired Roller/SAKAI, Vibratory Tandem Roller/SAKAI, Walk Behind Roller/SAKAI (24 units), Spare parts for 2,000 hours of operation.”

    The FERMA Chief added: “Aligned to the presidential priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda on enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of economic growth, the mix of road equipment seen here today will strengthen FERMA’s capacity on road and highway maintenance in Nigeria.

    “Nominated FERMA members of staff have undergone training on the mix design and operation of the machines. The deployment of the equipment further underpins our efforts in restoring failed sections of the network to improve connectivity and ensure a good journey experience on Nigerian roads.”

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on FERMA, Aderemi Oseni, lauded the leadership of FERMA for its outstanding performance and transformative approach to road infrastructure maintenance across Nigeria.

    Oseni expressed confidence in the capacity of the FERMA management team, stressing the importance of continued support and autonomy for the agency.

    “At the National Assembly, we do not doubt that with your expertise and the necessary autonomy to perform, our roads will become enablers of a better quality of life, increased business opportunities, and enhanced national development.

    “The newly inaugurated equipment is not just a set of tools—it is an opportunity; an opportunity to make our roads work again and demonstrate to our development partners that Nigeria is committed to infrastructure renewal,” he said.

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    Apart from strategic partnerships to improve the agency’s overall output, Agbasi’s dedication and expertise have positioned FERMA for excellence, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision for a revitalised world-class infrastructure.

    The “Operation Connect Your Destination” initiative, which he championed, has not only enhanced the serviceability of federal roads but also made travel easier and reduced congestion, especially during the targeted peak traffic yuletide period. It earned recognition and praise from the National Assembly, eliciting calls for initiatives such as “Connect to Your Farm” to support agriculture.

    Agbasi explained that the agency under his watch is transitioning from a reactive to a proactive approach to road maintenance, emphasising that keeping roads in good condition is more cost-effective than waiting for them to deteriorate. Agbasi stated further that the “Operation Safeguard our Roads” introduced in December last year is a year-round programme aimed at keeping federal roads in good condition.

     “Through operations to safeguard our roads, we are trying to move away from a position where the streets will get destroyed to a proactive regime when the roads are maintained in good condition.

    “It costs far less to keep a road in good condition than to allow it to fail,” he said.

    The agency continues to deliver on its mandate, just as it completed emergency repairs last week on failed sections of the Eric Moore-Iganmu Road in Lagos.

    It carried out desilting of drains, repairing and recovering failed parts of the road, and reconstructing a collapsed two-cell box culvert. The agency made sure to install directional signage and lane markings for safety and the smooth flow of traffic.

    Agbasi noted that maintaining Nigeria’s extensive road network remains integral to the agency’s mandate of ensuring secure and hitch-free movement as well as motorable roads nationwide.

    Despite paucity of funds,  Agbasi’s achievements in FERMA include, effective maintenance of 491.03 kilometers of federal roads, made 5,006.54 kilometers of federal roads motorable, created 23,927 skilled and unskilled jobs, contributing to economic growth,initiated the “Operation Connect Your Destination” programme to  improve federal roads and reduce congestion, received recognition and praise from the National Assembly for his achievements.

  • FERMA completes Lagos road repairs

    FERMA completes Lagos road repairs

    Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has completed emergency repairs on failed sections of the Eric Moore-Iganmu Road in Lagos State, bringing relief to motorists and commuters in the area.

    According to the agency, the intervention was executed through its Lagos II West field office using direct labour.

    The project involved reclaiming gravel filter layers, desilting drains, repairing and recovering severely damaged portions of the road, and reconstructing a collapsed two-cell box culvert. FERMA also installed directional signages and lane markings to improve safety and ease traffic flow.

    Managing Director of FERMA, Chukwuemeka Agbasi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing safe and motorable roads across the country.

    READ ALSO; What does Remi Tinubu want?

    He stressed that maintaining Nigeria’s extensive road network remains central to the agency’s mandate of ensuring smooth and secure travel for citizens.

    The Lagos II West field office added that similar interventions would be extended to other deteriorated sections of federal roads within the state and beyond.

    Residents and road users have begun noticing improved travel conditions, reduced congestion, and enhanced safety measures following the repairs. FERMA assured that it will sustain nationwide efforts to rehabilitate critical roads and support safer, more efficient transportation for Nigerians.

  • FERMA, global centre set to boost Nigeria–China road pact

    FERMA, global centre set to boost Nigeria–China road pact

    Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has entered into a Long-Term Strategic Framework Agreement (LSFA) with Global Cooperation Promotion Research Centre (GCPRC), to boost Nigeria’s road maintenance and infrastructure management.

    The agreement, signed in Abuja, formalises a partnership between Nigeria’s statutory road maintenance body and GCPRC, a think tank established in Nigeria in February 2025 under supervision of Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

    The cooperation framework includes regular communication channels, joint project planning, and FERMA’s authorisation for GCPRC to coordinate business activities with Chinese partners.

    It will be in force for two years, with option for renewal, requiring adherence to anti-graft measures, Nigerian law, and transparency frameworks such as Public Procurement Act.

    GCPRC focuses on fostering global cooperation, promoting South-South partnerships, and deepening strategic relations between Nigeria and China.

    Under the agreement, both organisations will cooperate in federal road network maintenance, transportation security, and road asset management, drawing on China’s expertise in modern road infrastructure.

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    The framework emphasises technology transfer, innovative road policies, and capacity building to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to sustainably manage its road network.

    FERMA’s Chief Executive, Dr. Emeka Agbasi, described the signing as a milestone for Nigeria’s infrastructure ambitions, saying, “Our mandate has always been to maintain and improve road network.

    “Through this agreement with GCPRC, we are positioning ourselves to adopt global best practices in road asset management, maintenance technology, and capacity building.

    “This collaboration will not only improve the condition and safety of our roads but also strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to sustainably manage critical infrastructure well into the future.”

    GCPRC Head, Mr. Li Zhensheng, said the agreement demonstrates a shared vision for development.

    “GCPRC is proud to partner with FERMA on this strategic initiative. This partnership is not only about roads; it is about economic growth, industrial integration, and deeper cooperation that benefits both Nigeria and China.

    “We are committed to promoting technology transfer and helping Nigeria achieve international standards in infrastructure management,” Zhensheng noted.

    Officials said the deal lays the foundation for transforming Nigeria’s federal road network, boosting sustainable infrastructure development, and expanding Nigeria-China strategic cooperation.

  • FERMA, GCPRC sign strategic framework to boost Nigeria–China road cooperation

    FERMA, GCPRC sign strategic framework to boost Nigeria–China road cooperation

    The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has entered into a Long-Term Strategic Framework Agreement (LSFA) with the Global Cooperation Promotion Research Centre (GCPRC), setting the stage for a new era of collaboration in Nigeria’s road maintenance and infrastructure management.

    The agreement, signed on Wednesday at FERMA headquarters in Abuja, formalises a partnership between Nigeria’s statutory road maintenance body and the GCPRC, an international think tank established in Nigeria in February 2025 under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. 

    The cooperation framework includes provisions for regular communication channels, joint project planning, and FERMA’s authorisation for GCPRC to coordinate business activities with Chinese partners. 

    It will remain in force for two years, with an option for renewal, requiring strict adherence to anti-corruption measures, Nigerian law, and transparency frameworks such as the Public Procurement Act.

    GCPRC focuses on fostering global cooperation, promoting South-South partnerships, and deepening strategic relations between Nigeria and China.

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    Under the agreement, both organisations will cooperate in federal road network maintenance, transportation security, and road asset management, drawing on China’s expertise in modern road infrastructure. 

    The framework emphasises technology transfer, innovative road policies, and capacity building to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to sustainably manage its road network.

    FERMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Emeka Agbasi, described the signing as a milestone for Nigeria’s infrastructure ambitions, saying, “Our mandate has always been to maintain and improve the federal road network. 

    “Through this agreement with GCPRC, we are positioning ourselves to adopt global best practices in road asset management, maintenance technology, and capacity building. 

    “This collaboration will not only improve the condition and safety of our roads but also strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to sustainably manage critical infrastructure well into the future.”

    GCPRC Head, Mr. Li Zhensheng, said the agreement demonstrates a shared vision for development.

    “GCPRC is proud to partner with FERMA on this strategic initiative. This partnership is not only about roads; it is about economic growth, industrial integration, and deeper cooperation that benefits both Nigeria and China. 

    “We are committed to promoting technology transfer and helping Nigeria achieve international standards in infrastructure management,” Zhensheng noted.

    Officials said the deal lays the foundation for transforming Nigeria’s federal road network, boosting sustainable infrastructure development, and expanding Nigeria-China strategic cooperation.