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  • House Committee Chair commends FERMA leadership as minister commissions Japanese-donated road maintenance equipment

    House Committee Chair commends FERMA leadership as minister commissions Japanese-donated road maintenance equipment

    The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on FERMA, Hon. Engr. (Dr.) Aderemi Oseni, has commended the leadership of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), led by Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Dr. Emeka Agbasi, for its outstanding performance and transformative approach to road infrastructure maintenance across Nigeria.

     Hon. Oseni made the remarks during the official commissioning of road construction and maintenance equipment donated to FERMA by the Government of Japan, held at the agency’s asphalt yard in Kuje, Abuja.

    Speaking on behalf of the Committee, the lawmaker expressed unwavering confidence in the capacity of the FERMA management team and emphasized the importance of continued support and autonomy for the agency.

    “At the National Assembly, we have no 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,” Oseni stated.

    Describing the event as both historic and symbolic, he noted that the commissioning aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development as a catalyst for national progress. He thanked the Government of Japan for their generous support and called on FERMA to make the most of the opportunity.

     “The newly commissioned 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.

    Read Also: FERMA’s budget insufficient for road maintenance – Minister

     In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of State for Works described the donation—valued at N3.6 billion—as a “game-changer” for FERMA and the road maintenance sector in Nigeria.

    “This is a momentous occasion that underscores the strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and Japan,” the Minister said. “These machines will significantly boost FERMA’s capacity to carry out repairs and maintenance more efficiently and to a higher standard.”

     He expressed appreciation to the Japanese Government for their continued support and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure as a cornerstone of national development.

     “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed infrastructure at the center of our development strategy, and this donation brings us closer to achieving safer, more efficient, and well-maintained roads,” he added.

    He further urged FERMA to ensure responsible deployment and diligent maintenance of the equipment to deliver long-term value to the nation.

    In his welcome address, Dr. Emeka Agbasi, Managing Director/CEO of FERMA, described the commissioning as a major milestone in strengthening the agency’s in-house capacity to deliver effective and sustainable road maintenance across the country.

    “This journey began eight years ago through discussions with Marubeni Corporation of Japan. Today, we are commissioning equipment that will enable FERMA to respond more swiftly and cost-effectively to road failures, using environmentally friendly methods,” he noted.

     Dr. Agbasi confirmed that FERMA staff have undergone extensive training in the operation and maintenance of the machines and are fully prepared to commence nationwide deployment.

     He expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, Marubeni Corporation, and the Federal Ministry of Works for their guidance and support throughout the grant application and implementation process.

    Representing the donor country, His Excellency Ambassador Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development, particularly in infrastructure.

    “This donation reflects the strength of Japan’s friendship with Nigeria. We believe in your development path and are proud to support efforts that promote sustainable infrastructure, economic growth, and social progress,” the Ambassador stated.

     Ambassador Suzuki commended FERMA for the successful execution of the grant project and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in technical training, capacity building, and long-term development initiatives.

    The commissioning ceremony drew attendance from key stakeholders including members of the National Assembly, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Works, development partners, professional bodies, and the diplomatic corps. Also present were the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Oguntala Aina FNSE; as well as former Managing Directors of FERMA, Engr. Dr. G.C. Amuchi and Engr. Nuruddeen Rafindadi, whose contributions to the agency’s growth were duly acknowledged.

    As Nigeria deepens strategic partnerships to modernize its infrastructure, the FERMA-Japan collaboration is being hailed as a model of international cooperation, accountability, and technical progress in the road sector.

  • FERMA chief gives Tinubu kudos on road infrastructure

    FERMA chief gives Tinubu kudos on road infrastructure

    Managing Director of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his support to the agency through his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Dr. Agbasi, who spoke on his Public Servant of the Year 2024 award, said Tinubu’s strategic leadership and investment in roads have given FERMA the clarity, resources, and direction to transform federal roads.

    “The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda has redefined infrastructure delivery,” he said.

    “It is his vision that’s enabling us to push forward with rehabilitation efforts. We’re not just maintaining roads, we’re restoring public confidence in our road network.”

    While dedicating the award to FERMA staff, Agbasi described the honour as a collective achievement and a tribute to the resilience of those working behind the scenes.

    “This award is not mine, it belongs to every FERMA employee, who works under the sun and rain, to keep our roads safe and motorable,” he said.

    Agbasi reaffirmed their commitment to sustained road maintenance, stressing FERMA is gradually moving away from emergency interventions to preventive maintenance.

    “Our mandate is clear: to maintain federal roads and ensure they are consistently in serviceable condition…’’

    Read Also: Professional body as game changer in civil service reform in Nigeria

    We are now adopting preventive measures, anticipating road failure and acting before it occurs. That’s the new direction, and it’s already yielding results,” he said.

    Having recently overseen a series of road rehabilitation projects in Lagos and other parts of the country, Agbasi emphasised that the work is far from over.

    “We have ongoing projects in all 36 states. Until every federal road is in good condition, we won’t rest,” he said.

    He further expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure.

    “The President has set the compass; we’re following through with action. We owe him not just gratitude, but results, and that’s what we are delivering,” he added.

    FERMA, under Agbasi’s leadership, has gained widespread commendation for its renewed efficiency, timely interventions, and strategic project delivery, earning him the reputation of being a “round peg in a round hole.”

    With ongoing projects and a vision anchored on Tinubu’s Renewed Hope framework, FERMA is poised to keep improving the road experience for millions of Nigerians across the country.

  • Reps to probe non-remittance of 5% user charge to FERMA

    Reps to probe non-remittance of 5% user charge to FERMA

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to launch a comprehensive investigation into the status of the 5% user charge designated for the maintenance of federal roads across the country.

    The probe will examine outstanding funds owed to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and identify officials responsible for implementing the policy.

    This decision followed a motion sponsored by Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi (PDP, Bayelsa), highlighting the need to investigate the implementation and remittance of the 5% user charge under the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act, 2007.

    In moving the motion, Agbedi explained that Section 14(1)(h) of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) (Amendment) Act, 2007 mandates a 5% user charge on the pump price of petrol and diesel for the maintenance of Federal and State Roads, with 40% allocated to FERMA and 60% to State Roads Maintenance Agencies. 

    He said since the enactment of the FERMA act, the defunct Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) reportedly failed to remit funds to FERMA, despite multiple directives from the legislature. 

    In said that In 2016, the Senate Committee on Works directed PPPRA to remit N634 billion to FERMA, representing unremitted funds between 2007 and 2015, but no evidence to suggests that these funds have been fully accounted for or disbursed. 

    He said further that in 2019, the Senate directed its Committees on Petroleum Downstream and National Planning to investigate the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency’s (PPPRA’s) failure to remit the funds, yet no significant progress has been reported on the implementation of this charge or the recovery of the arrears owed to FERMA. 

    Agbedi said the non-remittance of these funds has severely limited FERMA’s capacity to maintain and rehabilitate federal roads, leading to the deterioration of road infrastructure, increased accidents, higher vehicle maintenance costs, and economic losses. 

    He explained that the defunct PPPRA justified its non-compliance by arguing that implementing the 5% user charge would increase fuel prices despite the clear legal requirement for such remittances. 

    He disclosed that as of January 2025, there is no publicly available evidence from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which took over the functions of the PPPRA, indicating that the 5% user charge has been enforced or that the required funds have been remitted, thus undermining road maintenance efforts and neglecting a crucial funding mechanism for infrastructure development.

  • Why there should be synergy between FERMA, ministry of works, by Perm Sec

    Why there should be synergy between FERMA, ministry of works, by Perm Sec

    The new Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Adebiyi Olufunso, has stressed the importance of collaboration between the ministry and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to eliminate duplication in road maintenance projects.

    Olufunso advocated for FERMA to prioritize direct labor over contract awards, noting that this approach would enable the agency to cover more ground and conserve government resources. 

    He also assured that workers’ capacity would be enhanced to effectively execute FERMA’s road maintenance mandate.

    According to a statement by Maryam Sanusi, FERMA’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Olufunso made these remarks on Thursday during an interactive session with the agency’s Managing Director, Emeka Agbasi, and other senior officials in Abuja. 

    He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting FERMA in efficiently monitoring and maintaining federal roads across the country.

    The Statement reads in part: “He assured them that he will work closely with the Management of FERMA as colleagues and to give them the sense of belonging, urging them to work within the ambit of the laws, vowing to protect them if they abide by the public service rules and are diligent in discharging their responsibilities as civil servants.    

    Read Also: Arthur Eze: Igbo leaders will beg Tinubu to forgive, release Nnamdi Kanu

    “Olufunso reiterated the need for FERMA to synergize with the Ministry to avoid duplication of responsibilities. 

    “He noted that retreats/seminars will be arranged often for staff, especially the Engineers, to enhance capacity building, adding that public offices need to be digitalized to enhance efficiency and information security. 

    “He cautioned that the Agency should be weary of troubled spots along the highways, urging them to work closely with the Security Agencies.    

    “He noted that the Ministry is working on the possibility of alternative sources of funding to mitigate the funding challenges being experienced by the Agency. 

    “However, he called on FERMA to do more of Direct Labour and less of Contract to be able to cover more grounds and save government resources.      

    “Olufunso emphasized the need for FERMA to assiduously publicize its activities and achievements so that the general public will appreciate the efforts of government in addressing the road challenges. 

    “Earlier in his detailed presentation, the Managing Director/CEO, Emeka Agbasi, enumerated the establishment, mandate, structure and operational Zones of FERMA, as well as its strategic objectives, achievements, funding profile, the next steps and challenges”. 

  • Road maintenance: Minister, NASS seek budget hike for FERMA 

    Road maintenance: Minister, NASS seek budget hike for FERMA 

    The Minister of State for Works, Mohammad Goronyo, has raised concerns over the inadequate budgetary allocation to the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), citing the vast scope of its responsibilities across the nation.  

    Similarly, the Senate Committee on FERMA questioned why the agency would prioritize repairing deteriorating roads over constructing new ones, considering its limited budget, while emphasizing the need to address the agency’s funding challenges.

    These emerged on Tuesday during FERMA’s 2024/2025 budget defense before the joint session of the Senate and House Committees on FERMA, where the Minister underscored the urgent need for increased funding to address the challenges posed by the nation’s extensive Federal road network.  

    Goronyo noted that FERMA was allocated ₦96.7 billion in the 2024 budget, which was later increased to ₦103.3 billion. 

    However, only ₦41.28 billion was released by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, out of which ₦40.287 billion has been utilized, he told the lawmakers.

    According to him, for the 2025 fiscal year, FERMA proposed a budget of ₦64.88 billion, comprising ₦4.9 billion for personnel costs, ₦33.468 billion for overhead costs, and ₦26.487 billion for capital costs, marking a reduction from the previous year’s appropriation.  

    Goronyo also highlighted that the proposed budget prioritizes major trunk A roads across the six geopolitical zones, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance infrastructure as a driver of economic recovery. 

    Despite these efforts, the Minister stressed that FERMA requires over ₦700 billion to effectively maintain the country’s federal roads, saying, During the Committee’s oversight visit to the Agency’s headquarters in March 2024, it was evident that the yearly allocation is grossly inadequate for the magnitude of tasks FERMA handles. 

    “I urge these esteemed Committees to support the Agency in ensuring sustainable road infrastructure maintenance, which is critical for scaling up preventive measures and promoting sustainable practices”.  

    The Minister assured the Committees of FERMA’s commitment to transparency and accountability, utilizing data-driven decision-making and regular community engagement in road maintenance planning. 

    He also revealed that efforts are underway to develop and redefine policies aimed at generating additional resources for the Agency to proactively maintain the country’s roads.  

    FERMA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO), Emeka Agbasi, provided further details on the Agency’s performance during his budget defense. 

    He highlighted achievements in key performance indicators, including the length of roads maintained, potholes patched, bridges reinstated, and jobs created. 

    He acknowledged challenges such as inadequate funding, aging road infrastructure, climate change impacts, and vandalization.  

    Agbasi disclosed that the Agency received equipment worth ₦3.3 billion from the Government of Japan, which will soon be commissioned as part of its 2024 achievements. 

    He reiterated the need for increased funding to enable FERMA to expand preventive maintenance and other critical interventions.  

    “The proposed budget for 2025 is significantly lower than the ₦77 billion proposed for 2024. This reduction hampers our ability to maintain the roads adequately, especially given that many of these roads were constructed in the 1970s and now require total rehabilitation,” the DG said.  

    Read Also: Oyo govt, FERMA give city roads facelift

    He also pointed out that the abuse of roads by Nigerians contributes to their reduced lifespan, calling for public awareness and stricter enforcement of road usage regulations.  

    In his remarks, Senator Babangida Husaini, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA, expressed disappointment over the low budgetary allocation for road maintenance, emphasizing the need to prioritize repairs over constructing new roads.  

    “Roads are enablers of growth and development. Nigerians are crying out daily for the maintenance of existing roads to facilitate movement and economic activities. It is disheartening that more attention is given to constructing new roads while the existing ones deteriorate,” Husaini said.  

    The lawmaker called for exploring alternative funding sources to address the perennial issue of inadequate financing for road maintenance, saying, “If we are serious about finding lasting solutions, we must engage all stakeholders and consider innovative approaches to fund the road sector”.  

  • FERMA rehabilitates 3,782.28km federal, non federal roads in one year

    FERMA rehabilitates 3,782.28km federal, non federal roads in one year

    The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) rehabilitated 3,782.28 kilometres of roads across the country in the last one year, The Nation learnt. 

    According to the breakdown, 3,698.89 kilometres of the rehabilitated roads were federal and 83.39 kilometres non-federal roads.

    Not less than 12,000 direct and indirect job opportunities were created within the period as a result of the rehabilitation projects.

    The Director, West Operations, FERMA, Yomi Agboade, assured Nigerians that the agency is determined no road in the country is left unattended to.

    Agboade, who spoke during an audience with the Coalition of Civil Society Network, said the target of the Managing Director of the agency, Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi is to make all Nigerian roads motorable. 

    “We want to assure you that we will not relent on our efforts, we will continue to do more and more until all our roads are in safe motorable condition,” Agboade said.

    While receiving a presentation from the coalition which staged a solidarity visit to the agency, the Director said: “This is a confirmation that Nigerians all over Nigeria are happy with the work FERMA is presently doing under the leadership of Engr (Dr) Emeka Agbasi.”

    The Coordinator of the Network, Mahmud Abubakar, had hailed the Managing Director of the agency, Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi for carrying out President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on road infrastructure, 

    The group, who staged a solidarity demonstration at the FERMA office in Abuja, said the feat speaks to the direction and quality leadership provided by the new management of the agency. 

     Abubakar said: “If you look at the total distance of federal roads that have been covered by FERMA under his leadership, it is highly commendable. If you look at the distance of the non federal roads as well that have been covered under his leadership, it is also commendable.

    “If we as civil society always criticise those that are not doing well in government, we should as  well know that it is our duty to appreciate and commend those that are doing perfectly well. And when we talk of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we know that good road infrastructure is one of the core objectives.

    Read Also: Reps demand 20 Percent of Works’ 2025 Budget for FERMA

    “If an MD of FERMA can rehabilitate over 3,698 federal roads and also rehabilitate over 89 point something kilometers of non federal roads, I think it is deserves commendation by entire Nigerians.”

    He also disclosed that as a result of the giant strides of Agbasi in FERMA, over 12,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created by Agbasi in the history of FERMA in just a space of one year.

    “So, tell me what will happen if Dr Emeka spends four years or Dr Emeka becomes even the Minister of Works. Somebody that can record these achievements just in a space of one year, tell me what he will record in a space of four years or with an additional four years. So, that is the reason why we, the Civil Society Network are here to commend him and tell him a very big job well done and commend him to do more,” Abubakar also said.

    Abubakar also lauded Agbasi for his transparency in his dealings with contractor and also his ability to rally FERMA staff, and other  empowerment scheme  embarked upon.

    “A lot has been happening in just a space of one year. As such, we believe we should be here today to commend Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, the Managing Director of FERMA,” Mohammed added.

    The commendation rollup banner presented to Agbasi reads: “We, the Coalition of Civil Society Network celebrate with you on the occasion of your One (1) year of Exceptional Service to Nigerians as the Managing Director of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

    “Within a year, FERMA under your leadership has made significant strides in improving our nation’s road infrastructure. On the federal front, the agency has made substantial progress, with approximately 3,698.89 kilometres of federal roads rendered motor able.

    “Dr. Agbasi also successfully maintained an impressive 82.39 kilometres of non-federal roads, ensuring that vital connections within our nation remain accessible and safe.

  • Reps demand 20 Percent of Works’ 2025 Budget for FERMA

    Reps demand 20 Percent of Works’ 2025 Budget for FERMA

    The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to allocate 20% of the 2025 budget of the Federal Ministry of Works to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to enable the agency to function effectively.

    This followed a motion on the need to increase the budgetary allocation to the agency for the maintenance and repairs of federal roads across the country sponsored by Hon. Aderemi Oseni.

    Moving the motion, Oseni admitted that the federal government is committed to enhancing economic activities and productivity by ensuring the effective maintenance and repair of Federal Roads throughout the year.

    He however expressed worry that the majority of the federal roads across the country are in disrepair, dilapidated, and unpassable, causing economic loss to governments and citizens due to continuous neglect.

    According to him, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) is the agency with the mandate to maintain and rehabilitate all Federal roads across the country and has been doing its best with the paltry budgetary allocation it receives annually which cannot make any significant impact due to the large number roads across the country that need urgent repairs and rehabilitation.

    Read Also: FERMA, FHA to drive infrastructure development

    He argued that the inadequate funding of FERMA translates to outright neglect in the maintenance of the roads, as an average of 300 billion Naira to 500 billion Naira is required annually to maintain the federal roads.

    The lawmaker said that the annual budget of FERMA is a meagre sum of about 25 billion, Naira to 50 billion, Nairawithin the last two years, which is about 10% of the required amount.

    He stressed that the Federal Ministry of Works in the 2024 budget has about one trillion Naira, thus a need to allocate 20% (percent) of the Ministry of Works budget to FERMA in the 2025 budget estimates, to enable FERMA to fulfill the purpose of its establishment of maintenance of existing roads.

    He said there was a need to increase the budgetary allocation of FERMA in 2025 budget estimates to enable it to discharge its responsibility effectively and engender economic growth in the country.

  • FERMA, FHA to drive infrastructure development

    FERMA, FHA to drive infrastructure development

    The Managing Director/CEO, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi has said the agency is open to partnering with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) to improve housing projects by providing accessible and motorable roads nationwide.

    Agbasi said the collaboration was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the importance of both housing and road infrastructure.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director/CEO, FHA, Oyetunde Ojo, to FERMA’s headquarters in Abuja, Agbasi stressed the critical role of road infrastructure in the success of housing schemes.

    In a statement by the Director Information and Public Relations, FERMA, Maryam Sanusi, Agbasi said: “Housing and road infrastructure are vital components of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and since the roads leading to these projects are federal roads, FERMA will ensure they are motorable.

    According to Agbasi , a team will be constituted to assess the scope of works, and we will incorporate it into the 2025 budget appropriation while seeking alternative funding sources.”

    He emphasised the need for FERMA to leverage the partnership to develop the agency’s land, expressing optimism for a long-term relationship that will enhance service delivery for all Nigerians.

    The MD of FHA explained that the partnership was key to fulfilling President Tinubu’s agenda of providing affordable housing to Nigerians.

    He appealed to FERMA to prioritise the rehabilitation of roads leading to key FHA estates, especially those in Gwarimpa and Lugbe in Abuja, as well as FESTAC in Lagos.

    Read Also: Bayelsa to partner FERMA on road rehabilitation

    “Accessible roads are critical for the success of housing projects, and FERMA’s support will enable FHA to focus on delivering affordable housing to Nigerians, including FERMA staff, who will be among the beneficiaries,” Ojo said.

    Ojo commended FERMA on some well maintained roads in Ekiti State and Estates in Gwarimpa and Kano States respectively.

    Meanwhile, Agbasi has inaugurated the FERMA Integrated Project Delivery Team (FIPDT), a strategic initiative designed to address the challenges of funding infrastructure projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

    The newly formed team will focus on commercialising FERMA’s idle physical assets, implementing a contract concession strategy, and diversifying income streams to ensure effective asset management.

    Agbasi said: “The Federal Government’s limited capacity to fully fund infrastructure projects has made PPPs an essential solution. By leveraging this approach, FERMA can bridge funding gaps, generate new revenue streams, and ensure the efficient delivery of critical infrastructure.”

    The ten-member team, coordinated by Mr. Nyihemba Luper Daniel, includes representatives from various disciplines, among which are Mr. Akwu Okolo from the Infrastructure Concessioning Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

    They will be responsible for driving the success of FERMA’s Maintain-Operate-Transfer (MOT) PPP program, positioning the agency for long-term sustainability.

    “Both the partnership with FHA and the inauguration of the FIPDT are expected to significantly enhance FERMA’s capacity to deliver on its mandate, ensuring that Nigerians benefit from well-maintained roads and affordable housing, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement added.

  • Bayelsa to partner FERMA on road rehabilitation

    Bayelsa to partner FERMA on road rehabilitation

    The Bayelsa State Government has hinted of plans to partner with the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for the rehabilitation and maintenance of failing roads in the state.

    The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made this known yesterday while speaking with a delegation from the Bayelsa Field Office of FERMA during a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

    The Deputy Governor, who pointed out that the total distance covered by federal roads in Bayelsa was less than 100 kilometres, maintained that effective collaboration with the federal agency would ensure proper utilisation of road maintenance funds meant for the state.

    He stressed that since there was paucity of federal roads in Bayelsa, it was needful and expedient for FERMA to appropriately utilise such intervention funds to maintain major roads in the state like the Igbogene-Polaku Road, the Opokuma Road, amongst others.

    Ewhrudjakpo expressed disappointment that the Agency failed to show concern and partnership with the state government to rehabilitate strategic roads, such as the Yenagoa-Amassoma and Opokuma Junction -Sabagreia roads that were badly devastated by the 2022 flood.

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    While thanking the delegation for the visit and their words of commendation, the Deputy Governor said the state government was desirous of receiving the Director General of FERMA in no distant time to work out modalities for the needed collaboration.

    He said: “Bayelsa has the least mileage or length of federal roads in the country. What we have here is about 80 to 100 kilometres of federal roads. All the other roads are owned by the state.

    “We had expected the federal government to show concern through FERMA by intervening in the rehabilitation of our state roads devastated in the recent floods. But that did not happen. The state government alone fixed all the affected roads.

    “I believe that was not fair because what is due us as a state should be given to us. FERMA’s mandate is limited in Bayelsa because of the few federal roads we have here.

    “Going forward, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has to work in close collaboration with  FERMA to ensure that interventions are carried out on failing roads in the state.”

  • Bayelsa ready to partner FERMA on road rehabilitation

    Bayelsa ready to partner FERMA on road rehabilitation

    Bayelsa state government says it is ready to collaborate with the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for the rehabilitation and maintenance of failing roads in the state.

    The deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made this known on Friday, August 23, while speaking with a delegation from the Bayelsa field office of FERMA during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa.

    Ewhrudjakpo, who pointed out that the total distance covered by federal roads in Bayelsa was less than 100 kilometres, maintained that effective collaboration with the federal agency would ensure proper utilisation of road maintenance funds meant for the state.

    He stressed that since there was a paucity of federal roads in Bayelsa, it was needful and expedient for FERMA to appropriately utilise such intervention funds to maintain major roads in the state like the Igbogene-Polaku Road, the Opokuma Road, amongst others.

    Ewhrudjakpo expressed disappointment that the agency failed to show concern and partnership with the state government to rehabilitate strategic roads, such as the Yenagoa-Amassoma and Opokuma Junction-Sabagreia roads that were badly devastated by the 2022 flood.

    Read Also: FERMA begins CNG conversion of operational vehicles

    While thanking the delegation for the visit and their words of commendation, the deputy governor said the state government was desirous of receiving the Director General of FERMA in no distant time to work out modalities for the needed collaboration.

    He said: “Bayelsa has the least mileage or length of federal roads in the country. What we have here is about 80 to 100 kilometres of federal roads. All the other roads are owned by the state.

    “We had expected the federal government to show concern through FERMA by intervening in the rehabilitation of our state roads devastated in the recent floods. But that did not happen. The state government alone fixed all the affected roads.

    “I believe that was not fair because what is due us as a state should be given to us. FERMA’s mandate is limited in Bayelsa because of the few federal roads we have here.

    “Going forward, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has to work in close collaboration with FERMA to ensure that interventions are carried out on failing roads in the state.”

    Speaking earlier, the Head of Bayelsa Field Office, FERMA, George Offor, said the visit was intended to seek collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government to see how roads could be made safe through timely maintenance.

    Offor, who disclosed that the Director General of the FERMA was planning to visit Bayelsa, solicited the state government’s support in terms of providing adequate security for the Agency’s equipment and personnel on road maintenance work in the state.