Goronyo orders FERMA action ahead of anticipated floods, hails Tinubu’s infrastructure drive
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the Loko–Oweto–Agatu Road in Nasarawa State as an alternative route to cushion the impact of possible flooding on the Abuja–Lokoja highway.
Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq., gave the directive to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Abuja on Friday.
Goronyo said the move was part of proactive measures to ensure free movement of goods and people should the major highway be affected by floods. He also disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had approved urgent rehabilitation of key bridges, including the Carter Bridge, Third Mainland Bridge, and Donga Bridge in Taraba State.
The minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing him as “the people’s president.” He also praised Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for his “engineering excellence” in delivering major projects, noting that all states are currently benefiting from road construction or maintenance.
He urged transport unions to embrace accountability and service, stressing that public office and leadership require sacrifice.
FERMA’s Managing Director, Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, said the agency was focused on maintaining economic corridors, tackling vandalism and overuse, and updating the national road corridor map to improve planning.
NARTO President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, lauded the government’s introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, which he said had cut transportation costs by over 30 percent. He also announced that from October 1, no truck would be allowed to carry more than 45,000 litres, a policy expected to reduce road damage.
Similarly, IPMAN President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, pledged the association’s support for the Ministry’s efforts, declaring: “Even a blind man can see this government is doing its best to keep Nigerian roads in order.”
