By Matthew Denis
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has formally presented a proposed budget of ₦229.999 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, marking a strategic effort to overhaul the nation’s road network and bolster inter-state connectivity.
This financial blueprint, defended before the Joint Senate and House Committees on FERMA, allocates ₦191 billion to capital expenditure, ₦5 billion to personnel costs, and ₦33 billion to overhead expenses.
During the presentation, the Minister of State for Works and Supervising Minister of FERMA, Hon. Bello Goronyo, Esq., emphasized that while the agency possesses the technical expertise required for its mandate, inadequate funding remains a persistent bottleneck.
He noted that the 2026 proposal ensures project allocations across all states of the Federation to maintain regional equity.
A key highlight of the Minister’s appeal was the inclusion of FERMA in the distribution template for the 5% fossil fuel surcharge as provided under the New Task Force Act.
This move, according to Goronyo, aligns with global best practices and would provide the agency with the sustainable liquidity needed to maintain federal corridors effectively.
Complementing the Minister’s remarks, the Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, provided a performance review of the 2025 Appropriation Act.
He reported significant milestones despite fiscal constraints, including the maintenance of over 200 kilometers of roads, the patching of more than 31,500 square meters of potholes, and the restoration of over 1,655 kilometers to motorable status.
The agency also successfully constructed 10,311 meters of drainage, reinstated 19 washouts, maintained three bridges, and installed 4,013 streetlight poles across the country.
However, Engr. Agbasi cautioned that several systemic challenges continue to hinder optimal performance.
These include budgetary releases falling short of targets, the deterioration of aged pavements, road abuse, and climate-driven emergencies such as flooding.
He also pointed to security concerns in specific regions and stressed the urgent need to synchronize the national budget cycle with procurement processes. Such alignment would allow road projects to be executed during the dry season, thereby maximizing cost-effectiveness and durability.
In response, the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees, Sen. Sahabi Yau and Hon. Engr. Aderemi Oseni, commended FERMA for its visible impact on federal roads.
While acknowledging the necessity for increased funding, the legislators urged the agency to maintain high project delivery standards and ensure maximum value for every naira spent.
The proposed 2026 budget now awaits legislative approval, standing as a critical pillar in the government’s plan to transform Nigeria’s road infrastructure into an engine for economic growth.