The Japanese government has donated N3.6 billion worth of road construction and maintenance equipment to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in a move officials describe as a boost to Nigeria’s infrastructure renewal efforts.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Saturday at FERMA’s asphalt yard in Kuje, Abuja, Aderemi Oseni, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on FERMA, commended the agency’s leadership for its outstanding performance and innovative approach to maintaining Nigeria’s road network.
“At the National Assembly, we have no doubt that with your expertise and the necessary autonomy to perform, our roads will become enablers of a better quality of life, increased business opportunities, and enhanced national development,” Oseni stated.
He described the commissioning as both “historic and symbolic,” aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that places strong emphasis on infrastructure development.
“The newly commissioned equipment is not just a set of tools—it is an opportunity. An opportunity to make our roads work again and demonstrate to our development partners that Nigeria is committed to infrastructure renewal,” he said.
In his keynote address, Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, said the donation marks a “game-changer” for FERMA and the road maintenance sector as a whole.
“This is a momentous occasion that underscores the strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and Japan,” Goronyo remarked.
“These machines will significantly boost FERMA’s capacity to carry out repairs and maintenance more efficiently and to a higher standard.”
Goronyo expressed appreciation to the Japanese government for its continued support and reiterated the federal government’s focus on infrastructure as a pillar of national development.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed infrastructure at the centre of our development strategy, and this donation brings us closer to achieving safer, more efficient, and well-maintained roads,” he said.
He urged FERMA to deploy the equipment responsibly and maintain it diligently for lasting national impact.
FERMA hails Japanese government
In his welcome remarks, FERMA Managing Director and CEO, Emeka Agbasi, described the commissioning as a major milestone in building the agency’s internal capacity.
“This journey began eight years ago through discussions with Marubeni Corporation of Japan,” he recalled.
“Today, we are commissioning equipment that will enable FERMA to respond more swiftly and cost-effectively to road failures, using environmentally friendly methods.”
Agbasi noted that agency staff have received extensive training in operating and maintaining the machines and are ready for immediate nationwide deployment.
He thanked the Japanese government, Marubeni Corporation, and the federal ministry of works for their support throughout the grant application and implementation process.
Ambassador reassures Japan’s commitment to Nigeria
Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Nigeria’s development goals, especially in the area of infrastructure.
“This donation reflects the strength of Japan’s friendship with Nigeria. We believe in your development path and are proud to support efforts that promote sustainable infrastructure, economic growth, and social progress,” he said.
He praised FERMA for successfully executing the grant project and highlighted the need for continued collaboration in technical training, capacity building, and long-term infrastructure initiatives.
The event was attended by representatives from the National Assembly, federal ministry of works, development partners, professional associations, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Also in attendance were Margaret Aina, president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), along with former FERMA managing directors Nuruddeen Rafindadi and G.C. Amuchi, whose past contributions to the agency’s growth were acknowledged.
