By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Federal Government has revealed that it needs approximately N880 billion annually to maintain federal roads across Nigeria. Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Mohamed Goronyo, made this disclosure during a public hearing held by the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the enforcement and remittance of the 5 percent user charge on petroleum products and diesel.
Goronyo expressed concern over the financial constraints faced by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), which has limited its effectiveness in maintaining federal highways. He explained that the 5 percent user charge embedded in the FERMA Act was intended to guarantee steady funding for road upkeep and rehabilitation but has not been properly enforced.
The Minister stated that FERMA’s allocated funds have consistently fallen short of the required amount, with N76.3 billion allocated in 2023, N103.3 billion in 2024, and a proposed N168.9 billion in 2025. “FERMA requires approximately N880 billion each year to maintain the country’s road network at an acceptable standard,” Goronyo said.
He emphasized that the funding deficit has forced FERMA to focus on reactive rather than preventive maintenance, worsening road conditions and raising repair costs. Goronyo stressed the need for a proactive maintenance plan backed by consistent and adequate funding.
The Minister praised the House Committee for initiating the inquiry, describing it as a shared responsibility. He assured the Committee of the Ministry’s and FERMA’s full support, including providing necessary data and documentation.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda, urged the Committee to carry out a detailed investigation into the implementation of the FERMA Act and recommend viable solutions.
“The Committee’s mandate is clear: Nigerians are counting on you to dig deep, examine records, and determine the total revenue generated from the 5 percent user charge,” Chinda said.
Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Rep. Francis Waive, pledged that the panel would thoroughly scrutinize the actions of all relevant institutions involved in the alleged violations and seek to ensure that any misused funds are recovered and returned to FERMA.