The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA has sought legislative backing for its inclusion in the implementation of the five per cent fossil fuel surcharge for 2025, as stipulated under Section 159 of the New Task Force Act.
READ ALSO: FERMA Proposes ₦229.999 Billion Budget for Road Maintenance.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo made the appeal when he presented FERMA’s ₦229.999 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the Joint Senate and House Committees on FERMA.
The proposed appropriation which is aimed at improving road maintenance and connectivity comprises ₦191 billion for capital expenditure, ₦5 billion for personnel costs, and ₦33 billion for overhead expenses.
The Minister explained that the Agency possesses the necessary technical expertise to effectively discharge its mandate, but inadequate funding remains its primary constraint.
“It is envisaged that, with your support, the implementation of the 2025 five percent fossil fuel surcharge, as provided under Section 159 of the New Task Force Act, will include FERMA in the distribution template. This aligns with global best practices and will enable the Agency to more effectively fulfill its mandate.
“With your approval, we can unlock FERMA’s full technical capacity, accelerate critical road interventions nationwide, and ensure that Nigeria’s roads become true engines for economic growth and national unity,” the Minister stated.
In his presentation, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, highlighted key performance indicators achieved in 2025 as follows;
200.82km of roads are maintained.
31,574.29 square metres of potholes patched.
1,655.89km of roads made motorable.
10,311 metres of drainage constructed.
19 washouts reinstated.
3 bridges maintained.
4,013 streetlight poles installed.
He, however, noted that several challenges continue to affect optimal performance, including budgetary releases falling short of required targets, distressed and aged pavements, road abuse, climate change-related emergencies particularly in flood-prone areas and security concerns in certain regions.