FERMA DELEGATION PARTICIPATATION IN 9TH INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION (IRF) R2T CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION IN CALIFORNIA, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO MODERN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) participated in the 9th International Road Federation (IRF) R2T Conference and Exhibition held in Santa Clara, California, United States of America, as part of the Nigerian delegation led by the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Mohammed Goronyo, Esq.

The delegation comprised the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FERMA, Engr. Dr. Emeka Agbasi, alongside other senior officials of the Agency and the Federal Ministry of Works.

The conference, themed “Transforming the Future of Mobility,” brought together leading industry experts, policymakers, infrastructure developers, technology providers and other stakeholders from across the globe to explore emerging technologies, innovative solutions and contemporary approaches to road infrastructure development, management and maintenance.

FERMA’s participation provided a valuable opportunity to gain insights into emerging technologies and innovative approaches capable of strengthening the Agency’s operational processes, particularly in road condition assessment, preventive maintenance, asset management and sustainable infrastructure delivery.

Among the key areas of interest was Automated Pavement Condition Assessment and Predictive Maintenance, a technology-driven approach that utilises digital tools, data analytics and intelligent monitoring systems to assess road conditions, identify defects and predict potential pavement failures before they escalate into major infrastructure challenges.

The adoption and adaptation of these technologies could significantly improve the efficiency, accuracy and timeliness of road condition assessments while supporting evidence-based maintenance planning, prioritisation of interventions and more effective deployment of available resources.

Through its participation, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the country’s resolve to embrace contemporary infrastructure technologies, promote sustainable road development and ensure that investments in the road sector deliver lasting value to citizens.

As the Agency responsible for the maintenance of federal roads, FERMA recognises that the future of road infrastructure management lies in the strategic integration of technology, reliable data, proactive maintenance systems and sustainable engineering practices.

The Agency remains committed to leveraging relevant global innovations, knowledge exchange and international best practices to strengthen its operational capacity and deliver safer, more durable and motorable federal roads across Nigeria.