The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Mohammad Goronyo, at the weekend officially commissioned a suite of advanced road construction and maintenance equipment donated by the Government of Japan under its Grant Aid Programme.
The event was held at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Asphalt Yard in Kuje, Abuja.
The equipment, valued at over N3.6 billion, and provided under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme, would significantly boost FERMA’s operational capacity across Nigeria’s federal road network.
Delivering his keynote speech, the minister 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.
“Our roads are the arteries of our nation, vital to every sector, and this donation is a game-changer for FERMA,” the minister said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed 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,” Goronyo 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.”
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of FERMA, Dr Emeka Agbasi, described the event as a “significant milestone” in the agency’s history.
His words: “In pursuit of excellence, exploratory meetings held eight years ago with Marubeni Corporation have culminated in today’s success.
“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,” the FERMA boss added.
He expressed deep appreciation to the Japanese government, Marubeni, the Federal Ministry of Works, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their steadfast support and leadership.
The 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 Agbasi. He passed a vote of confidence in 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,” he said.
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, 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 ended 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.
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