‘Budget isn’t reliable!’ FG Explores Alternative Funding for Road Maintenance

OwelekeTV (News) — The federal government is exploring new strategies to sustain road maintenance across Nigeria, moving beyond traditional budgetary allocations to ensure the longevity of critical infrastructure.

Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, disclosed this during a visit to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) field office in Kogi State, emphasizing the need for innovative funding mechanisms.

According to Goronyo, relying solely on government budgets to maintain roads is no longer feasible, given the rising costs of construction materials, the vast network of roads requiring attention, and the urgency of keeping transportation routes functional.

To address this, the federal government has introduced toll gates on major highways, such as the Keffi-Akwanga road, to generate alternative revenue for road maintenance. Goronyo highlighted that this approach aligns with global best practices, allowing road infrastructure to be self-sustaining rather than dependent on annual government spending.

Road Maintenance Requires More Than Budgetary Allocations – Minister

During the visit, the minister stressed that maintaining the country’s road network goes beyond what budget allocations can cover, urging stakeholders to embrace alternative funding options.

“No country in the world relies solely on budgets for effective road maintenance. We are actively exploring other funding mechanisms to sustain and improve Nigeria’s road network,”

Goronyo stated.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing road infrastructure, stating that improved road networks would enhance economic growth and reduce security challenges.

While addressing FERMA staff, he assured them of better welfare packages and urged them to remain committed to delivering quality work. He emphasized that the agency is undergoing reforms to meet modern infrastructural challenges.

“I have visited some of the projects executed by FERMA in Kogi State, but no where in this world that budget can be use to maintain roads effectively.

” Therefore we are looking for alternative funding so that we can continue to maintain the nation’s critical assets like road that is vital to the citizens and the economy of the country.

“We are rebranding FERMA to meet the challenges of the 21st century and to whom much is given much is expected in return.

” Therefore, put the national interest over and above any personal interest to fix the country. You should work hard and support the president to deliver on his mandate” he said.

In response, the Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to road maintenance despite financial and logistical constraints. He noted that road projects in Kogi State were progressing, though issues such as inadequate funding and high operational costs remain significant hurdles.

The minister later inspected ongoing repairs in Ajaokuta and Ogori Magongo, where FERMA has been working to restore sections of damaged federal highways.

As the government moves towards sustainable road maintenance, the emphasis is now on alternative financing, efficient project execution, and ensuring that Nigeria’s transport infrastructure remains a pillar of economic growth.