Japanese government has donated road construction and maintenance equipment valued at N3.6 billion to Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), marking a significant boost to Nigeria’s road infrastructure efforts.
Gatekeepers News reports that the equipment was officially commissioned on Saturday at FERMA’s asphalt yard in Kuje, Abuja.
Aderemi Oseni, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on FERMA, praised the agency’s leadership for its remarkable performance and progressive approach to road maintenance nationwide.
He also reaffirmed the committee’s confidence in FERMA’s management and called for sustained autonomy and support to ensure further success.
Oseni described the donation as both historic and symbolic, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places a strong focus on infrastructure development.
He thanked the Japanese government for the generous contribution and urged FERMA to fully utilise the equipment to improve road conditions across the country.
In his keynote address, Bello Goronyo, Minister of State for Works, described the donation as a transformative development for FERMA and the road maintenance sector in Nigeria.
He highlighted the broader diplomatic ties it reflects between Nigeria and Japan, noting that the machines would significantly enhance the agency’s efficiency and operational standards.
Goronyo also reaffirmed federal government’s commitment to infrastructure as a key pillar of national progress and urged FERMA to maintain the equipment responsibly for long-term national benefit.
FERMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Emeka Agbasi, described the commissioning as a milestone achievement that strengthens the agency’s capacity to manage roads more effectively.
He explained that the journey began eight years ago through collaboration with Japan’s Marubeni Corporation and that the equipment now positions FERMA to address road failures more swiftly and economically, using environmentally sound practices.
The CEO added that staff had been thoroughly trained and were prepared for nationwide deployment.
Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, commended Nigeria’s dedication to infrastructure development and reiterated Japan’s support for sustainable growth.
He praised FERMA for the successful execution of the grant and highlighted the importance of ongoing cooperation in areas such as technical training and capacity building.
The event was attended by representatives from the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Works, development partners, diplomatic corps, and engineering professionals.
Distinguished guests included Margaret Aina, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and former FERMA managing directors Nuruddeen Rafindadi and G.C. Amuchi, both of whom were recognized for their contributions to the agency’s progress.
