Japan donates N3.6bn road maintenance equipment to FERMA

The Japanese government has donated N3.6 billion worth of road construction and maintenance equipment to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

During the commissioning of the equipment on Saturday at the agency’s asphalt yard in Kuje, Abuja, Aderemi Oseni, the chairman of the house of representatives committee on FERMA, commended the leadership of the agency.

Oseni lauded the agency’s leadership for outstanding performance and its transformative approach to road infrastructure maintenance across Nigeria.

Additionally, Oseni, speaking for the committee, showed confidence in the FERMA management team and stressed the need for ongoing support and independence.

“At the National Assembly, we have no doubt that with your expertise and the necessary autonomy to perform, our roads will become enablers of a better quality of life, increased business opportunities, and enhanced national development,” the lawmaker said.

He also described the event as historic and symbolic, noting it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that prioritises infrastructure development.

Oseni appreciated the Japanese government for their support and asked FERMA to maximise the opportunity.

“The newly commissioned equipment is not just a set of tools—it is an opportunity. An opportunity to make our roads work again and demonstrate to our development partners that Nigeria is committed to infrastructure renewal,” he said.

In his keynote address, Bello Goronyo, the minister of state for works, said the donation is a game-changer for FERMA and the road maintenance sector in Nigeria at large.

“This is a momentous occasion that underscores the strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and Japan,” Goronyo said.

“These machines will significantly boost FERMA’s capacity to carry out repairs and maintenance more efficiently and to a higher standard.”

He appreciated the Japanese government for their continued support and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure as a cornerstone of national development.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed infrastructure at the centre of our development strategy, and this donation brings us closer to achieving safer, more efficient, and well-maintained roads,” he said.

The minister further urged FERMA to ensure responsible deployment and diligent maintenance of the equipment to deliver long-term value to the nation.

‘EQUIPMENT COMMISSIONING A MAJOR MILESTONE’

In his welcome address, Emeka Agbasi, the chief executive officer (CEO) of FERMA, described the commissioning as a major milestone in strengthening the agency’s in-house capacity to deliver effective and sustainable road maintenance across the country.

“This journey began eight years ago through discussions with Marubeni Corporation of Japan,” he said.

“Today, we are commissioning equipment that will enable FERMA to respond more swiftly and cost-effectively to road failures, using environmentally friendly methods.”

Agbasi said the agency’s staff have undergone extensive training in the operation and maintenance of the machines and are fully prepared to commence nationwide deployment.

He also thanked the government of Japan, Marubeni Corporation, and the federal ministry of works for their guidance and support throughout the grant application and implementation process.

Suzuki Hideo, the Japanese ambassador to Nigeria, reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development, particularly in infrastructure.

“This donation reflects the strength of Japan’s friendship with Nigeria. We believe in your development path and are proud to support efforts that promote sustainable infrastructure, economic growth, and social progress,” Hideo said.

He commended FERMA for the successful execution of the grant project and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration in technical training, capacity building, and long-term development initiatives.

Representatives from the National Assembly, the federal ministry of works, development partners, professional bodies, and the diplomatic corps were in attendance.

Also present were Margaret Aina, president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nuruddeen Rafindadi and G.C. Amuchi, former managing directors of FERMA, whose contributions to the agency’s growth were duly acknowledged.