The Director of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in Ekiti State, Engr. Simon Adeniran Adeniyi, has addressed the persistent concerns surrounding the deteriorating state of federal roads in the state, attributing the delays in maintenance to the ongoing rainy season and funding challenges.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, Engr. Adeniyi explained that the heavy and consistent rains have rendered it nearly impossible to carry out any meaningful maintenance work. “The rainy season has been a major obstacle. It is difficult to achieve substantial progress on road projects under such conditions,” he said.
He clarified FERMA’s specific mandate, noting that the agency is primarily responsible for the maintenance of existing federal roads, while larger reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts fall under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Works.
Engr. Adeniyi reassured citizens that the Federal Government remains committed to improving road infrastructure across the state, but emphasised that weather conditions have continued to pose a significant challenge.
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According to the FERMA Director, several key federal roads in Ekiti are currently undergoing various stages of construction and rehabilitation. These include the Ado-Aramoko-Itawure road, the Ado-Ikere-Akure road, and the Ifaki-Ikole-Omuo road—routes that are vital to the state’s transportation network.
He urged residents to remain patient, stating that full-scale maintenance and construction activities will resume as soon as the rainy season subsides. “We are ready to move as soon as the weather permits. Our teams are on standby,” he said.
Funding constraints have also contributed to the delays, Engr. Adeniyi disclosed. He noted that many contractors working on federal road projects are currently facing difficulties accessing the necessary funds to proceed. He explained that FERMA’s policy does not allow for advance payments; contractors are only paid upon the successful completion of their work.
“While this ensures accountability and quality assurance, it does mean that contractors often have to mobilise with their own resources, which can be a challenge,” he added.
Despite the setbacks, Adeniyi maintained that FERMA is fully committed to maintaining road infrastructure in the state and that efforts are ongoing to improve efficiency and address bottlenecks in project execution.
His assurances may come as a relief to many Ekiti residents who have expressed frustration over the poor state of several major roads, which have worsened due to seasonal weather and prolonged neglect.
With the Federal Government’s continued commitment and once the rains subside, residents of Ekiti can expect renewed progress in road maintenance and infrastructure development across the state.
