FERMA ROADS SUMMIT 2026

Stakeholders Unite for Sustainable Road Infrastructure and National Growth

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) successfully hosted the FERMA Roads Renewed Summit 2026 on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel. The Summit brought together senior government officials, members of the National Assembly, infrastructure experts, development partners, academics, and industry stakeholders to develop sustainable strategies for Nigeria’s road infrastructure as a key driver of socio-economic growth.

Held under the theme “Sustainable Road Infrastructure for Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Growth”.

The Summit served as a strategic platform to review Nigeria’s road maintenance framework, explore innovative financing models, and strengthen institutional collaboration for the long-term preservation of the federal road network.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FERMA, Engr. Dr. Emeka Agbasi, reaffirmed that sustainable economic growth and national development depend on reliable and well-maintained road infrastructure. He emphasized FERMA’s commitment to translating the outcomes of the Summit into measurable improvements across Nigeria’s federal road network.

Declaring the Summit open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, FNIM, CON, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that over 90% of passenger and freight movement in Nigeria relies on the road network and highlighted major national projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway as evidence of government’s commitment to durable and sustainable infrastructure.

The SGF emphasized the importance of preventive maintenance, data-driven planning, and the creation of a national road asset database to ensure efficient management of federal roads.

In his Keynote Address, the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, described roads as the backbone of national unity, trade, and economic growth. He stressed that road infrastructure should be measured by long-term durability and serviceability rather than ceremonial commissioning.

He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s continued support for FERMA through legislation and oversight, while highlighting the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme as a key initiative encouraging private sector participation.

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., emphasized that sustainable road infrastructure is vital for lowering food prices, improving healthcare access, boosting competitiveness, and strengthening social cohesion.

He identified key challenges including axle overloading, road misuse, and funding constraints, and called for stronger enforcement, predictable financing, and a national shift toward preventive maintenance culture.

The Summit featured engaging panel discussions focusing on:
• Sustainable road infrastructure beyond durability
• Economic and social impact of poor road conditions
• Transition from reactive to preventive maintenance
• Innovative financing models including PPPs and user-based systems
• Measuring the economic impact of improved road infrastructure

Panelists agreed that institutional coordination, evidence-based planning, adequate funding, and long-term policy consistency are essential to achieving sustainable road infrastructure

A major highlight of the Summit was the presentation of Awards of Recognition to outstanding FERMA staff in appreciation of their dedication, professionalism, and contributions to improving road maintenance service delivery nationwide.
network.

The FERMA Roads Renewed Summit 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to collaborate in building, maintaining, and preserving road infrastructure that supports economic growth, national unity, and long-term national development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. ‎