The Federal Government has earmarked N64.88 billion for the maintenance of Nigeria’s roads in the 2025 budget, according to a proposal submitted by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). The announcement was made during the agency’s budget defence session before the joint Senate and House Committees on FERMA.
The Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, who oversees FERMA, revealed that the proposed allocation comprises N4.9 billion for personnel costs, N33.468 billion for overhead costs, and N26.487 billion for capital projects. Goronyo highlighted that the funds would focus on maintaining major trunk “A” roads across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic recovery and national development.
However, the proposed amount for 2025 is notably less than the N77 billion allocated for road maintenance in the 2024 budget, raising concerns about its sufficiency. Goronyo acknowledged this challenge, stating that FERMA is working with stakeholders to reduce the burden on the federal government by developing and redefining policies aimed at generating additional resources for road maintenance.
“FERMA is in the process of developing, modifying, and redefining key policies that will enable the agency to proactively maintain our roads and ensure ease of movement,” the minister said.
During his presentation, the Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, emphasized the need for adequate funding to enhance the agency’s preventive maintenance efforts and other interventions on federal roads. He disclosed that insufficient budgetary allocations and delayed fund releases in 2024 had hindered the agency’s ability to execute its mandate effectively.
“The challenges posed by low budgetary allocations and inadequate fund releases have negatively impacted our ability to maintain the nation’s roads. Adequate funding is critical to improving the condition of federal roads across the country,” Engr. Agbasi said.
In response, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA, Senator Hussaini Babangida, criticized the continued construction of new roads without addressing the maintenance needs of existing ones. He expressed concern over the inadequacy of the allocation, given the poor state of many federal roads.
“The allocation for road maintenance remains grossly insufficient, especially considering the deplorable condition of our roads. This trend must change if we are serious about improving road infrastructure,” Senator Babangida noted.
The 2025 budget proposal has reignited discussions on the need for sustainable road maintenance policies and the importance of prioritizing infrastructure upkeep to enhance transportation and economic activities nationwide.
