The House of Representatives, on Monday, promised adequate budgetary provision for the operations of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to fix the Nation’s dilapidated roads across the six geo-political zones.
The House Committee on FERMA gave the assurance when its members paid an oversight visit to its Headquarters in Abuja and its multi-million Asphalt plant in Kuje respectively.
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Richard Femi Bamisile and members decried the current state of the Nation’s roads which they described as death traps which should be addressed urgently in the overall interest of the populace.
According to him, “we here are for an on the spot assessment to see things for ourselves so that will know the operations of the Agency, its challenges and to see how we can come in to enhance its Headquarters operations.
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“To say that Nigerian Roads are bad or death traps, is an understatement and anyone who says otherwise, maybe he is the one who can afford this be flying around in Choppers or Jets, not all Nigerians can afford such luxury, so, as the Representatives of the people, we have to see that the roads are properly fixed
“We are pleased with the activities of the Agency in the recent time, at least from the last November to date, the Agency is out attending to the roads especially during the festive periods
“The main problem of the Agency is inadequate funding and tried to address this in the 2020 budget defence, the budget had been passed early enough and signed into law, we remains to do now is to see to the prompt release of its approved budget to enhance its operations nationwide
“We are pleased with the operations of its multi-million Asphalt plant located at Kuje which is currently producing 100 tonnes per day, the Agency can now compel its Contractors to be sourcing Asphalt form the plant, this will be generating funds for its operations, it won’t be a burden to the Federal government
“To us at the National Assembly, it is a new dawn for the Nation, the story of bad roads across the land will soon be history, we are going to the next level of good and motorable roads in the country, what we need now is a little patient
“But to whom much is given, much is expected, the Management of FERMA should double its efforts so that will can have value for the money coming to the Agency, we will be moving round to monitor your activities, there will be no room for failed Roads again.”
Earlier, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive officer of the Agency, Engr Nurudeen Rafindadi, had said that the major problem facing it was inadequate funding and procurement process and pleaded with the lawmakers to assist it more funds to enhance its operations nationwide.
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