The House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has committed to revitalizing the agency to address the pressing needs of Nigerians by enhancing road infrastructure across the country.
During an interactive session with FERMA’s management in Abuja, the committee’s Chairman, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, acknowledged the deplorable state of roads in Nigeria, causing hardship, hindering economic growth, and tarnishing the nation’s image. He expressed concern about the negative public perception of FERMA, citing inefficiency, corruption, and ineptitude.
Hon. Oseni emphasized the committee’s goal to rejuvenate, reposition, and redefine FERMA, ensuring it effectively fulfills its mandate. He declared that the 10th National Assembly would not accept the status quo and emphasized the need for tangible results from FERMA’s budgetary allocations.
The chairman asserted the committee’s commitment to demanding performance, value for money, accountability, transparency, and professionalism from FERMA. He warned of the committee’s readiness to use legal instruments to address any misconduct.
Hon. Oseni acknowledged challenges faced by FERMA, such as inadequate funding, outdated equipment, and manpower shortages. He assured that the committee would intervene legislatively to find lasting solutions.
FERMA’s Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, highlighted the agency’s funding challenges, stating that its estimated funding needs were approximately N300 billion. He discussed the allocated budgets for FERMA from 2015 to 2023 and pointed out the agency’s outstanding liabilities to contractors from 2015 to 2021.
In conclusion, the committee and FERMA management discussed potential sources of additional funding beyond the government’s budgetary provisions and the need to address outstanding financial obligations.
Quest: Cris-Edesiri Odjomah