Minister Commissions Japan–Funded Road Maintenance Equipment

The minister of state for works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has commissioned a road construction and maintenance equipment donated by the government of Japan at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Asphalt Yard in Kuje, Abuja under its grant aid programme.

The equipment, valued at over N3.6 billion, was provided under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme and is set to significantly boost FERMA’s operational capacity across Nigeria’s federal road network.

Delivering his keynote speech, the minister of state expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of Japan for their enduring partnership and generous support. “This is a truly momentous occasion, one that underscores the enduring friendship and robust partnership between Nigeria and Japan,” the minister said, “Our roads are the arteries of our nation, vital to every sector, and this donation is a game-changer for FERMA.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting that road infrastructure is a key enabler of economic growth and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

“This generous contribution from Japan brings us much closer to realising the vision of a safer, smoother and more reliable road network in Nigeria,” he said.

He charged FERMA to ensure the optimal and judicious use of the equipment, saying, “This is a call to action. I urge you to deploy this equipment meticulously, ensuring it directly contributes to better roads and better lives.”

In his address, the managing director/CEO of FERMA, , Dr. Emeka Agbasi, described the event as a “significant milestone” in the agency’s history.

“In pursuit of excellence, exploratory meetings held eight years ago with Marubeni Corporation have culminated in today’s success,” he said, “Capacity strengthening through equipment acquisition is central to our strategy to ensure Nigeria’s roads are safe, reliable and sustainable.”

Dr. Agbasi emphasised that the 3-in-1 Road Stabilizer, among other machinery, would aid in rapid recovery of failed road sections through innovative and cost-efficient methods like in-place base course stabilization and subgrade rehabilitation.

“Nominated FERMA staff have undergone technical training, and with this capacity, we are ready to restore degraded sections of the network and ensure a good journey experience on Nigerian roads,” Dr. Agbasi added.

He expressed deep appreciation to the government of Japan, Marubeni, the Federal Ministry of Works, and President Bola Tinubu for their steadfast support and leadership.

Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo, in his remarks, reaffirmed Japan’s enduring commitment to supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development through strategic bilateral cooperation. He expressed his government’s satisfaction in seeing the successful implementation of the grant aid project and highlighted the importance of sustainable infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and social development. Ambassador Suzuki emphasized that the equipment donation is not just a transfer of technology but a symbol of friendship and shared vision between Japan and Nigeria. He commended FERMA for its dedication and professionalism and assured that Japan remains a willing partner in Nigeria’s journey toward national progress.

Chairman, House Committee on FERMA, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, commended the leadership of the agency under Dr. Emeka Agbasi. He passed a vote of confidence on the management of FERMA for their proactive approach and professionalism in driving the agency’s mandate. “I commend the FERMA leadership for their transparency, strategic foresight, and commitment to ensuring value for every kobo invested in road maintenance. With this equipment, the agency is better positioned to serve the nation.”

The commissioning ceremony drew attendance from key stakeholders including members of the National Assembly, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Works, development partners, professional bodies, and the diplomatic corps. Also present were the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Oguntala Aina FNSE; as well as former Managing Directors of FERMA, Engr. Dr. G.C. Amuchi and Engr. Nuruddeen Rafindadi, whose contributions to the agency’s growth were duly acknowledged.

The event concluded with a formal inspection and demonstration of the newly acquired machinery marking the start of what stakeholders described as a new era of strategic, efficient, and high-standard road maintenance in Nigeria.

Minister Commissions Japan—Funded Road Maintenance Equipment

The minister of state for works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has commissioned a road construction and maintenance equipment donated by the government of Japan at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Asphalt Yard in Kuje, Abuja under its grant aid programme.

The equipment, valued at over N3.6 billion, was provided under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme and is set to significantly boost FERMA’s operational capacity across Nigeria’s federal road network.

Delivering his keynote speech, the minister of state expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of Japan for their enduring partnership and generous support. “This is a truly momentous occasion, one that underscores the enduring friendship and robust partnership between Nigeria and Japan,” the minister said, “Our roads are the arteries of our nation, vital to every sector, and this donation is a game-changer for FERMA.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting that road infrastructure is a key enabler of economic growth and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

“This generous contribution from Japan brings us much closer to realising the vision of a safer, smoother and more reliable road network in Nigeria,” he said.

He charged FERMA to ensure the optimal and judicious use of the equipment, saying, “This is a call to action. I urge you to deploy this equipment meticulously, ensuring it directly contributes to better roads and better lives.”

In his address, the managing director/CEO of FERMA, , Dr. Emeka Agbasi, described the event as a “significant milestone” in the agency’s history.

“In pursuit of excellence, exploratory meetings held eight years ago with Marubeni Corporation have culminated in today’s success,” he said, “Capacity strengthening through equipment acquisition is central to our strategy to ensure Nigeria’s roads are safe, reliable and sustainable.”

Dr. Agbasi emphasised that the 3-in-1 Road Stabilizer, among other machinery, would aid in rapid recovery of failed road sections through innovative and cost-efficient methods like in-place base course stabilization and subgrade rehabilitation.

“Nominated FERMA staff have undergone technical training, and with this capacity, we are ready to restore degraded sections of the network and ensure a good journey experience on Nigerian roads,” Dr. Agbasi added.

He expressed deep appreciation to the government of Japan, Marubeni, the Federal Ministry of Works, and President Bola Tinubu for their steadfast support and leadership.

Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo, in his remarks, reaffirmed Japan’s enduring commitment to supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development through strategic bilateral cooperation. He expressed his government’s satisfaction in seeing the successful implementation of the grant aid project and highlighted the importance of sustainable infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and social development. Ambassador Suzuki emphasized that the equipment donation is not just a transfer of technology but a symbol of friendship and shared vision between Japan and Nigeria. He commended FERMA for its dedication and professionalism and assured that Japan remains a willing partner in Nigeria’s journey toward national progress.

Chairman, House Committee on FERMA, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, commended the leadership of the agency under Dr. Emeka Agbasi. He passed a vote of confidence on the management of FERMA for their proactive approach and professionalism in driving the agency’s mandate. “I commend the FERMA leadership for their transparency, strategic foresight, and commitment to ensuring value for every kobo invested in road maintenance. With this equipment, the agency is better positioned to serve the nation.”

The commissioning ceremony drew attendance from key stakeholders including members of the National Assembly, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Works, development partners, professional bodies, and the diplomatic corps. Also present were the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Oguntala Aina FNSE; as well as former Managing Directors of FERMA, Engr. Dr. G.C. Amuchi and Engr. Nuruddeen Rafindadi, whose contributions to the agency’s growth were duly acknowledged.

The event concluded with a formal inspection and demonstration of the newly acquired machinery marking the start of what stakeholders described as a new era of strategic, efficient, and high-standard road maintenance in Nigeria.