Minister Describes Contribution as a Game Changer for FERMA’s Capacity
In a major leap forward for Nigeria’s road maintenance capacity, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has taken delivery of construction equipment valued at ₦3.6 billion, donated by the Government of Japan. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., described the gesture as a “strategic milestone” in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable infrastructure renewal.
According to a press release by the Director of Press, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the commissioning ceremony held on August 1, 2025, in Abuja was attended by high-ranking officials from both Nigeria and Japan. These included the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Suzuki Hideo; Chairman, Senate Committee on FERMA, Senator Sahabi Yau; Chairman, House Committee on FERMA, Engr. Remi Oseni; Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Emeka Agbasi; President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margret Oguntala, FNSE; and Programme Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi.
Minister Goronyo stated that the donation represents a turning point in the country’s efforts to maintain and expand its road infrastructure. “This generous contribution from Japan brings us closer to our vision of a smoother, safer, and more reliable travel across the country,” he said. “Roads are the lifeblood of our economy and daily life, and this equipment is a game changer.”
He applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his infrastructure-focused leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing roads as essential to commerce, agriculture, healthcare, and national integration. He also emphasized that infrastructure remains a key enabler of economic growth.
Goronyo extended profound appreciation to the Government of Japan on behalf of the President and the Nigerian people, commending their “tangible support and unwavering commitment” to the country’s development.
He further urged FERMA’s leadership and engineers to ensure optimal use of the equipment, noting that its deployment would reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing citizens’ quality of life. “This commissioning is more than a ceremonial handover; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in road maintenance aligned with Nigeria’s broader vision of infrastructure-driven prosperity,” the Minister concluded.
The donation is expected to significantly strengthen FERMA’s ability to address road maintenance challenges across the country and signals growing international cooperation in Nigeria’s infrastructure development drive.
