The Federal Government spends about N880bn yearly for the maintenance of the federal road network nationwide, the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goroyo, has said. He recently shared that FERMA requires an estimated N880bn annually for optimal road conditions.
Speaking at an event, he said that despite the figure gradually increasing, it still remains far below the necessary threshold for sustainable road maintenance.
He stated that the consistent funding gap has forced FERMA into a reactive mode of maintenance instead of a preventive approach, stressing that the consequences of the gap are the glaringly deteriorating conditions of our roads.
Highlighting increased repair costs and prolonged disruptions for commuters and businesses as further challenges, Goroyo revealed that the country needs a proactive strategy backed by adequate funding to ensure seamless and efficient roadways nationwide.
“FERMA requires an estimated N880bn annually for optimal road conditions. Budgetary allocations have consistently fallen short—N76.3bn in 2023, N103.3bn in 2024, while N168.9bn was budgeted for 2025.
Though these figures show gradual increases, they remain far below the necessary threshold for sustainable road maintenance. This persistent funding gap has forced FERMA into a reactive mode of maintenance rather than a preventive approach.
The consequences of this are glaring-deteriorating road conditions, increased repair costs, and prolonged disruptions for commuters and businesses alike.
A proactive strategy, backed by adequate funding, is essential to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient roadways nationwide.
Thus, the diligent implementation and timely remittance of the five per cent user charge are paramount. This dedicated funding stream offers a viable solution to bridge the financial gap, providing consistent resources to address Nigeria’s infrastructure needs without over-reliance on annual budget appropriations,” he said.
He maintained that inadequate funding has been the major cause of the nation’s road infrastructure, confirming that even though the user charge was meant to tackle the gap, the agency and the Ministry are yet to access it.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works remains steadfast in the Renewed Hope Agenda, an agenda dedicated to delivering world-class infrastructure that fosters economic growth, strengthens connectivity, and enhances the daily lives of our citizens.
Our roads are the lifelines of commerce and social integration, and their maintenance is not merely a policy directive but a national imperative. The five per cent user charge, as enshrined in the FERMA Act, was designed to serve as a sustainable funding mechanism for road maintenance and rehabilitation. However, for years, FERMA has grappled with severe funding inadequacies, hampering its ability to maintain our vast road network effectively,” he added.
