Babatunji Wusu –
- Over 35,000 km of federal roads require alternative funding as budget allocations have proven insufficient.
- Despite an approved allocation of ₦926.2 billion for road projects and ₦64.88 billion for road maintenance in 2025, additional funding sources are needed.
- Minister Goronyo emphasized the importance of securing new ways of funding to maintain and expand infrastructure.
- The minister praised President Tinubu’s commitment to road projects, linking it to reducing unemployment, crime, and insecurity.
- Goronyo assured that salary adjustments for FERMA staff are under consideration and urged continued support for the government’s agenda.
Muhammad Goronyo, the Minister of State for Works, has highlighted the urgent need for alternative funding sources to maintain over 35,000 kilometers of the Federal Government’s road network. He explained that, despite a significant budget allocation of ₦926.2 billion for road projects and ₦64.88 billion for road maintenance in 2025, the traditional budgetary approach remains insufficient to meet the growing demands of road maintenance and expansion.
Speaking during a visit to the Kogi State Field Office of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Goronyo stressed the necessity of exploring alternative funding mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of the nation’s extensive road infrastructure. He noted, “About 35,000 kilometres of roads cannot be funded and maintained overnight. We have to look for alternative sources of funding to maintain our physical assets, which are the roads.”
In his remarks, Goronyo reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to completing road projects on time, emphasizing the importance of robust oversight and contractors’ compliance. He also praised President Tinubu’s determination to prioritize road infrastructure, recognizing it as a key factor in reducing unemployment, crime, and insecurity. Goronyo commended the president’s dedication to nationwide projects such as the Super Highways connecting Ilelah to Sokoto and Badagry to Lagos, which are aimed at improving the national economy.
Furthermore, Goronyo acknowledged FERMA staff for their hard work and resilience in the face of challenges like insecurity and limited funding. He urged them to be patient regarding salary adjustments, noting that their requests for salary increments have been forwarded to the Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission for consideration.
The Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Chukwumeka Agbasi, also addressed the staff, highlighting the government’s commitment to the eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in relation to road projects. He assured them that salary increases would be implemented before the year’s end, urging continued collaboration and support for the Ministry of Works.
Additionally, the Officer in Charge of FERMA’s Kogi Field Office, Engr. Muktar Abdurahim, provided an update on the state’s road projects, noting that out of six roads under construction, five have been completed, with one at 60% completion. He outlined challenges, including insecurity and rising material costs due to hyperinflation, but remained optimistic about the ongoing projects.
