The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, called for an upward review of the annual budgetary allocation of N200 billion to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on the ‘Need to increase the budgetary allocation of FERMA) for effective road maintenance and repairs of federal roads across the country, sponsored by Hon. Aderemi Oseni who solicited for the House intervention.
In his lead debate, Oseni reiterated the present administration’s resolve towards enhancing economic activities and productivity by ensuring the effective maintenance and repair of Federal Roads throughout the year.
He said, “The House is worried that the majority of the Federal Roads are in disrepair, dilapidated, and unpassable, causing economic loss to governments and citizens due to continuous neglect.
“The House is aware that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) is the agency with the mandate to maintain and rehabilitate all Federal roads across the country, and has been doing its best with the paltry budgetary allocation it receives annually which cannot make any significant impact due to the large number roads across the country that are in need of urgent repairs and rehabilitation.
“The House is alarmed that the inadequate funding of FERMA translates to outright neglect in the maintenance of the roads, as an average of N300 billion to N500 billon is required annually to maintain the federal roads.
“Sadly, the annual budget of FERMA is a meager sum of about N25 billion to N50 billion within the last two years, which is about 10% of the required amount.
“The House is aware that the Federal Ministry of Works in the 2024 budget have about N1 trillion thus the need to allocate 20 percent of the Ministry of Works budget to FERMA in the 2025 budget estimates, to enable FERMA fulfill the purpose of its establishment of maintenance of existing roads.
“The House is cognizant that of the need to increase the budgetary allocation of FERMA in 2025 budget estimates to enable it discharge its responsibility effectively and engender economic growth in the country.”
To this end, the House urged Federal Ministries of Budget and Economic Planning, Finance and Budget Office of the Federation, to allocate 20 percent of the Ministry of Works budget for the 2025 budget estimate to enable Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to function effectively.
Hence, the House mandated the joint Committees on Appropriations, Finance and Legislative compliance to ensure compliance.
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