The Federal Government on Friday, August 1, 2025, took delivery of some special set of equipment for road construction valued at ₦3.6 billion from the Government of Japan.
The donated sets of equipment are expected to transform FERMA’s capacity to maintain and rehabilitate Nigeria’s vast road network.
While taking delivery of the donated equipment, the Minister of State for Works, Mr Bello Muhammad Goronyo, said the gesture marked a strategic milestone in the nation’s pursuit for sustainable infrastructure renewal.
Goronyo, who stated this at the commissioning of the construction equipment, further said that the donation is a significant boost to Nigeria’s infrastructure development efforts.
He said that the commissioning of the equipment signified more than a ceremonial handover, as it marked the beginning of a new chapter in road maintenance that aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision of infrastructure-driven prosperity.
The Minister of State , who collected the donated equipment on behalf of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), noted that the donation ushered in a new era of road maintenance that would enable engineers and technicians to deliver faster and more sustainable outcomes.
Goronyo said; “This generous contribution from Japan brings us closer to our vision of a smoother, safer, and more reliable travel across the country.
“Roads are the lifeblood of our economy and daily life, and this equipment is a game changer in our ability to utilise and preserve them,” he said.
A statement by Mrs Maryam Sanusi, Director, Information and Public Relations of FERMA, said that the Minister also said that Nigeria’s extensive road network remains vital to commerce, agriculture, healthcare, and national integration, even as it continues to face significant maintenance challenges.
Goronyo commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making infrastructure a top priority and a key driver of economic growth under his Renewed Hope Agenda – an administration that recognises infrastructure as an enabler of growth.
According to Goronyo; “We envision a future where travel across Nigeria is seamless, secure, and dependable. This generous donation moves us closer to making that vision a reality”.
Goronyo urged the leadership of FERMA and its technical team to ensure that the set of equipment are put to optimal use, saying; “This equipment is a valuable asset, and its effective deployment will reflect our commitment to improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.”
Earlier in his address, Mr. Emeka Agbasi, Managing Director of FERMA, praised President Tinubu, the Ministers of Works, Permanent Secretary and the Japanese government for their unwavering support towards road asset management in Nigeria.
Agbasi assured that the equipment will be deployed appropriately, well maintained and used to maximum effect.
He said; “These machines will undoubtedly strengthen our capability, boost productivity, and ensure smoother travel experiences for Nigerians. We are committed to utilising them effectively inline with our mandate,” he assured.
The event brought together key stakeholders and figures from both the public and private sectors, was witnessed by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA, Senator Sahabi Yau and his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon. Remi Oseni; as well as the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo.
Others included, the Managing Director of FERMA, Mr. Emeka Agbasi; members of the Board of FERMA, former Managing Directors, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs. Margret Oguntala, and the Programme Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi.
