By Christiana Ekpa
Minister of State for Works, Barr Bello Mohamed Goronyo on Monday said that the Federal Government needed an estimated N880 billion annually for the optimal maintenance of its roads nationwide through the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA
The Minister who disclosed this while speaking at a Public Hearing organized by the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the need to investigate the implementation and remittance of the 5 percent user charge on petroleum products and Diesel under the FERMA Act 2027 held in Abuja however lamented that the Agency was being grossly under funded over the years
He explained that the five percent user charge, as enshrined in the FERMA Act, was designed to serve as a sustainable funding mechanism for road maintenance and rehabilitation.
He however lamented that over the years, FERMA had grappled with severe funding inadequacies, hampering its ability to maintain Nigerians vast road network effectively.
According to him, “While the agency requires an estimated 880 billion naira annually for optimal road conditions,budgetary allocations have consistently fallen short—N76.3 billion in 2023, N103.3 billion in 2024, and N168.9 billion budgeted for 2025.
” Though these figures show gradual increases, they remain far below the necessary threshold for sustainable road maintenance.
The Minister regretted that the persistent funding gap had forced the Agency into a reactive mode of maintenance rather than a preventive approach.
According to him, “the consequences of this are glaring-deteriorating road conditions, increased repair costs, and prolonged disruptions for commuters and businesses alike.
He pointed out that there was the need for “a proactive strategy, backed by adequate funding to ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient roadways nationwide.
According to him, “thus, the diligent implementation and timely remittance of the 5% user charge are paramount.
He pointed out that the dedicated funding stream would offer a viable solution to bridge the financial gap, providing consistent resources to address Nigeria’s infrastructure needs without over-reliance on annual budget appropriations.
The Minister acknowledged that the investigation by the Ad-Hoc Committee was more than an oversight function but a collaborative effort to identify challenges and establish robust mechanisms for efficient resource utilization.
He assured that he Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA were ready to cooperate fully to provide all relevant information and documentation to ensure a comprehensive review.
