‎The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has proposed a ₦229.999 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, aiming to overhaul Nigeria’s aging road networks and enhance national connectivity.
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‎​The proposal, presented by the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Goronyo, during a budget defense before the Joint National Assembly Committees on FERMA, allocates ₦191 billion to capital projects, ₦33 billion to overhead, and ₦5 billion to personnel costs.
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‎​Despite having the technical expertise, Hon. Goronyo identified chronic underfunding as the agency’s primary hurdle.
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‎He specifically urged the Legislature to include FERMA in the distribution template for the 5% fossil fuel surcharge—a move backed by the New Task Force Act—to align Nigeria with global infrastructure funding standards.
‎​FERMA’s Managing Director, Engr.
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‎Chukwuemeka Agbasi, highlighted 2025 achievements, including over 200km of road maintenance and 31,574 square meters of pothole patching.
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‎However, he warned that climate change, insecurity, and delayed budget releases continue to hamper progress.
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‎In response, the House Committee Chairman, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, praised the agency’s visibility but demanded stricter standards to ensure “value for money” in future projects.