FERMA Proposes N64.88 Billion for 2025 Budget
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has defended its proposed budget of N64.88 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.
The spokesperson of FERMA, Mrs Maryam Sanusi I a statement said the budget, which is a reduction from the N77 billion proposed for 2024, prioritizes the maintenance of major trunk ‘A’ roads across the six geopolitical zones.
According to the Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, the budget is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.
Read Also:
FERMA’s Managing Director, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, highlighted the challenges facing the agency, including inadequate funding, poor road conditions, and abuse of roads by Nigerians. He emphasized the need for adequate funding to enable the agency to increase its activities in preventive maintenance and other interventions.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on FERMA, Sen. Hussaini Babangida, expressed concerns about the practice of constructing new roads without adequate measures to maintain existing ones. He advocated for alternative sources of funding to increase funding for the road sector.
The proposed budget breakdown includes:
– *Personnel Costs*: N4.9 billion
– *Overhead Costs*: N33.468 billion
– *Capital Costs*: N26.487 billion
FERMA has assured that it is committed to transparency and accountability, using data-driven decision-making and regular community engagement in road maintenance planning.
By PRNigeria