Author: ferma

Executive Summary

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) formally received and commissioned a suite of road construction and maintenance equipment funded by the Government of Japan under its Grant Aid FY2020-2, as part of the Economic and Social Development Programme. This initiative marks a strategic milestone in FERMA’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational capacity and improve the quality and sustainability of Nigeria’s federal road infrastructure.

Background

The commissioning event is the culmination of exploratory engagements initiated eight years ago between FERMA and Marubeni Corporation, a Japanese firm. These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring partnership opportunities to support Nigeria’s road maintenance objectives.

Recognizing the urgent need to build internal capacity for the recovery of failed road sections and to execute routine and periodic maintenance, FERMA pursued the acquisition of specialized equipment. This initiative aligns with the Agency’s strategic goal of maximizing asset utilization and improving the utility of Nigeria’s road infrastructure.

Equipment Overview

The equipment received under the grant includes:

1. Road Stabilizer – SAKAI
2. Asphalt Lorry – HANTA
3. Vibratory Single Drum Roller – SAKAI
4. Pneumatic Tired Roller – SAKAI
5. Vibratory Tandem Roller – SAKAI
6. Walk Behind Roller – SAKAI (24 units)
7. Spare Parts for 2,000 Hours of Operation

The centerpiece of the equipment, the 3-in-1 road stabilizer, is designed for in-place base course construction and subgrade rehabilitation. This technology is expected to significantly improve the recovery of degraded road sections, offering cost and time efficiencies while promoting environmentally sustainable practices through the recycling of existing road materials.

Strategic Impact

The deployment of this equipment represents a major investment in FERMA’s operational capabilities. It supports the Agency’s mandate to maintain federal roads in good and safe condition and aligns with the infrastructure priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This agenda emphasizes infrastructure and transportation as key enablers of economic growth.

FERMA personnel have undergone specialized training in mix design and equipment operation to ensure effective utilization. The equipment will be deployed to restore failed road sections, improve connectivity, and enhance the journey experience across Nigeria’s road network.

Acknowledgements

FERMA extends its sincere appreciation to:

• The Government of Japan for approving the grant aid application.
• Marubeni Corporation for its sustained partnership.
• The immediate past FERMA Managing Director, the Honourable Ministers of Works and Budget & National Planning, and other stakeholders whose support was instrumental during the application process.
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s road sector.

Conclusion

The handover and commissioning of this equipment is a testament to FERMA’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in road maintenance. It reinforces the Agency’s resolve to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable road infrastructure for all Nigerians.

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had the honor of hosting members of the House of Representatives Committee on FERMA during a comprehensive oversight mission across key states in the North East Zone. This high-impact engagement reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, collaboration, and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s federal road network.

Highlights of the Oversight Visit

The oversight exercise, which spanned several days, was meticulously planned to provide the Committee with firsthand insight into the scope and progress of ongoing and completed road rehabilitation and maintenance projects under FERMA’s mandate. The inspection team, comprising distinguished member of House Committee on Ferma and FERMA officials, traveled extensively by road—a testament to FERMA’s confidence in the accessibility and quality of federal highways in the region.

Key Stops and Engagements

Maiduguri to Damaturu (Borno & Yobe States):

The delegation commenced their journey in Maiduguri, proceeding by road to Damaturu.

Project inspection tours were conducted along critical road corridors to assess work quality, safety measures, and the impact of road improvements on local communities.

The Committee paid a courtesy visit and held strategic meetings with the Executive Governor of Yobe State. Discussions focused on state–federal collaboration and the unique challenges faced in maintaining road infrastructure within the state.

Bauchi State:

The team continued to Bauchi, where further project assessments were carried out.

Stakeholder engagement sessions were held to gather feedback from field engineers, contractors, and community representatives regarding the progress and sustainability of FERMA’s interventions.

Dutse, Jigawa State:

In Dutse, the Committee conducted additional project inspections and engaged closely with local FERMA officials.

The delegation was received by the Governor of Jigawa State. Deliberations centred on the operational challenges and achievements regarding federal road maintenance in the region.

Kano State:

Kano State happened to be point of departure for the distinguished House Committee.

Strategic Objectives and Outcomes

Throughout the visit, the Committee evaluated the implementation of FERMA’s core mandate—ensuring motorable and safe highways, rapid response to infrastructure failures, and fostering socio-economic development by enhancing regional connectivity.

Key outcomes highlighted include:

Validation of FERMA’s commitment to effective project delivery, even in challenging terrain.

Strengthening of intergovernmental relationships to facilitate joint solutions for road infrastructure needs.

Collection of actionable feedback to inform policy recommendations and resource allocation at the national level.

FERMA’s Appreciation and Commitment

FERMA extends its sincere appreciation to the House Committee for its active oversight, constructive feedback, and support. Such engagements provide invaluable opportunities to showcase our achievements, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce our collective dedication to building a resilient and reliable federal road network serving every Nigerian.

We remain resolute in our mission to deliver excellence and safeguard the nation’s road assets for present and future generations.

As part of its statutory oversight responsibilities, the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) undertook an official visit to the North West Zone 2 between 2nd and 5th July 2025. The visit was hosted at the FERMA Zonal Office in Sokoto.

The delegation, led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, included Hon. Hassan Bala Abubakar, Hon. Morufu Adebayo, and Hon. Aliyu Abdullahi. The purpose of the visit was to assess the performance of FERMA’s field operations, review ongoing and completed projects, and engage with zonal leadership on challenges and opportunities in road maintenance across the region.

During the session, detailed briefings were presented by the Zonal Coordinators and Federal Roads Maintenance Engineers (FRMEs) from the following states:

Kano – Engr. Dr. Zakari Umar Faruk

Kaduna – Engr. Kabiru Iliyasu Danmulki

Katsina – Engr. Bashir Isma

Sokoto – Engr. Ali Abdu

Kebbi – Engr. Rilwanu Usman

Zamfara – Engr. Babangida Yusuf Kawuwa

Zonal Coordinators – Engr. Eugene I. Barror (Kano) and Engr. Solomon V. Kwaghe (Sokoto)

The Committee commended the professionalism and clarity of the presentations and engaged in constructive dialogue to clarify operational and funding-related issues.

On 3rd July 2025, the committee conducted site inspections of key FERMA projects executed by FERMA in Sokoto State.

 The Committee expressed satisfaction with the quality of work observed and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for increased funding to FERMA. Members emphasized the Agency’s critical role in national infrastructure development and described FERMA as one of the most essential yet underfunded service providers among MDAs.

The oversight visit concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration between the legislature and FERMA to ensure the continued delivery of safe, accessible, and well-maintained federal roads across Nigeria.

The House of Representatives has inaugurated two technical committees—Pre-Tax Act and Post-Tax Act Committees—to formalize the implementation of the 5% User Charge on petroleum products and diesel, in line with the provisions of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act, 2007.

The committees, inaugurated on 8th July 2025, are tasked with developing clear procedures for the collection, remittance, and disbursement of the User Charge. They will also define roles for relevant government agencies, recommend operational structures for managing beneficiary accounts, and identify any legislative or policy gaps requiring attention.

The Pre-Tax Act Committee is chaired by Engr. Bernard Olisa (FERMA), while the Post-Tax Act Committee is led by FERMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi. Members include representatives from FERMA, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), and key industry stakeholders such as IPMAN, PETROAN, and NARTO.

The 5% User Charge is a statutory funding mechanism designed to support the maintenance and rehabilitation of federal roads across Nigeria. Its implementation is not intended to affect pump prices but to ensure safer, more accessible roads and provide hazard insurance for stakeholders in the petroleum distribution chain.

Recommendations from the committees are expected by 14th July 2025.

As part of early preparations for the effective implementation of the 2025 Appropriation, the Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, held a virtual strategy session with all Federal Roads Maintenance Engineers (FRMEs)across the country.

The high-level engagement focused on aligning field operations with the broader vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that every region is ready for swift, transparent and accountable delivery of road maintenance projects once budget implementation commences.

In his remarks, the MD emphasized the importance of early coordination, data-driven planning and proactive site readiness, charging all FRMEs to uphold professionalism, efficiency and public trust in the execution of their responsibilities

“We are laying the groundwork for execution. Our goal is to deliver with precision, serve with integrity, and ensure that no region is left behind in the infrastructure renewal process.” Dr. Agbasi stated.

The meeting also reinforced FERMA’s commitment to internal synergy, digital reporting and continuous performance monitoring, all in line with the transformative infrastructure agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and under the policy leadership of the Honourable Minister of Works, H.E. Senator Dave Umahi, and Minister of State, Barr. Bello Goronyo.

This proactive engagement marks the beginning of a nationwide operational framework that will translate funding into visible impact, job creation and  safer roads for all Nigerians.

As part of its commitment to staff welfare, FERMA, in partnership with ARM Pensions, organized a Customer Interactive Session for Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders at its Abuja headquarters.

The session addressed essential aspects of financial planning, pension management and retirement readiness for staff approaching the end of their service years. The initiative was designed to empower employees with the tools and knowledge required for a smooth transition into retirement.

Dr. Agbasi applauded the effort, emphasizing that “investing in our staff’s future is part of building a resilient institution.”

The event was well-received by participants, reflecting FERMA’s dedication not only to operational delivery but also to ensuring the long-term wellbeing of its personnel beyond active duty.

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency continues to expand its technical horizons through strategic industry engagement. The Managing Director of Aeronautical Engineering & Technical Services Ltd. (AETSL), Air Vice Marshal N.I. Ilo (Rtd), paid a visit to FERMA Headquarters to explore synergies.

The two organizations discussed applying precision engineering standards from the aviation industry to road infrastructure, focusing on durability, technical accuracy and innovation.

Dr. Agbasi noted that “the standards of aviation can inspire a new benchmark in road maintenance.”

The meeting emphasized FERMA’s forward-looking approach to partnerships that cross traditional boundaries, demonstrating that infrastructure excellence can be achieved through multidimensional expertise and high-performance collaboration.

In a drive to bridge academia and infrastructure development, FERMA recently hosted Rev. Fr. Associate Professor Andrew Dewan, Director of Advancement and Linkages at Plateau State University, Bokkos, and his team at the Agency’s headquarters.

The discussions centered around collaborative research, joint innovation projects and human capital development, particularly in engineering disciplines related to road and transport infrastructure.

Dr. Agbasi stated that “we’re not just building roads; we’re building a knowledge economy,” reinforcing the agency’s interest in academic insight and evidence-based policymaking.

The engagement laid the groundwork for future cooperation on institutional development, student internships, and joint initiatives that align national infrastructure goals with academic excellence.

In a model example of federal-state collaboration, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) played host to the Director General of Bauchi State Infrastructure Development and Maintenance Agency (BASIDMA), Engr. Abdulrahman Mai’auduga, at FERMA Headquarters Abuja.

The meeting focused on Bauchi’s “Zero Potholes” initiative and how FERMA’s national experience could support state-level implementation through technical support, training, and policy alignment. The visit also included discussions on joint project models and knowledge transfer.

Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Agbasi remarked that “FERMA is always willing to share what works. Infrastructure is not about competition it is about connection.”

The session concluded with a shared commitment to establishing frameworks for long-term cooperation. The agencies agreed to co-develop mechanisms that will enhance road maintenance and improve commuter safety across Bauchi and beyond.

In a collaborative move to strengthen engineering standards in Nigeria’s road sector, the leadership of the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE) visited the FERMA Headquarters for high-level discussions.

Led by its National Chairman, Engr. Francis Oriakhi, the NIHTE delegation explored opportunities for technical collaboration, research, capacity building and joint policy development. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of professional bodies in setting best practices and driving innovation.

Dr. Agbasi expressed FERMA’s readiness to deepen the alliance, stating, “when policy and engineering speak the same language, the results are transformative.”

The partnership promises to elevate the quality of Nigeria’s road infrastructure by aligning regulatory standards with practical engineering expertise. It also opens doors for training, certification and technology exchange between both entities.