Uba maintained that the current budget falls short of what is required for comprehensive road maintenance.
By Lot Sunday
The National Assembly has voiced concerns over the inadequate funding of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and is pushing for a substantial increase in its budgetary allocation to address the deplorable state of federal roads across the nation.
During a joint sitting of the Senate and House Committees on FERMA, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA, Hussaini Uba, emphasised the urgency of boosting FERMA’s annual budget to enable the agency to fulfill its mandate of maintaining federal roads effectively.
Uba noted that the current budget falls significantly short of what is required for comprehensive road maintenance, resulting in the agency’s inability to meet public expectations.
He acknowledged FERMA’s commendable efforts within its limited means but stressed the need for increased funding to address the extensive network of federal roads in dire need of attention.
Una further urged FERMA to enhance stakeholders’ engagement and public awareness to communicate the agency’s achievements, challenges, and aspirations effectively.
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Meanwhile, FERMA’s Managing Director, Chukwuemeka Agbasi, highlighted the equitable distribution of road projects in the 2024 capital budget proposal across the six geopolitical zones.
“Prioritizing major trunk roads aligns with the national development agenda, aiming to improve the movement of goods, services, and agricultural produce for economic growth and food security.”
Agbasi disclosed that the 2024 budget includes rollover projects with completion periods extending beyond the 2023 fiscal year to ensure 100% execution.
A total of N51.3 billion has been appropriated for maintaining 36,000km of federal roads, according to the presentation.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, acknowledged FERMA’s efforts— highlighted the inadequacy of the current appropriation, calling for a budget review, emphasising the necessity of setting aside a contingency fund for urgent interventions in emergency road repairs.
Umahi reiterated the need for a comprehensive review of road designs in the country to enhance construction and maintenance practices for longer-lasting roads.
