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FG Directs FERMA To Create Alternative Route Ahead Abuja-Lokoja Flood

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government has directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to create alternative route ahead of the Abuja–Lokoja flooding.

By implementing the directive, FERMA is expected to immediately commence the rehabilitation of the Loko–Oweto–Agatu Road in Nasarawa State, as an alternative route for commuters in case of the envisaged flood. 

Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo issued the order on Friday during stakeholders’ engagement with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Abuja. 

He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved several critical infrastructure initiatives, including the urgent rehabilitation of other strategic bridges such as the Carter Bridge, third Mainland Bridge, and Donga Bridge in Taraba State, meant to strengthen Nigeria’s economic corridors and improve nationwide access for motorists.

Goronyo underscored the enormous workload of the ministry, listing major routes such as Abuja–Lokoja, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano, Sokoto–Zaria, and many others across the North, South, East, and West.

He described President Bola Tinubu as the people’s president, just as he lauded his inclusive leadership and unwavering prioritisation of infrastructure as a key enabler of growth and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

The minister highlighted ongoing interventions, particularly the Legacy Projects as Lagos–Sokoto, Lagos–Badagry, Lagos–Calabar, Ebonyi–Nasarawa–Abuja, and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Trans-Sahara Route, stressing that no state has been left without road maintenance or construction under the current administration.

He also commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi for bringing engineering excellence and dedication to the ministry’s projects.

Reaffirming the ministry’s determination to work tirelessly in delivering modern, safe, and durable infrastructure for all Nigerians in line with the vision of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Goronyo acknowledged the need for public re-orientation on road usage.

He tasked the leaderships of the two associations on dedication, accountability and selfless service to the masses. 

"Public office is a burden, and that burden must be discharged with full accountability. There is no time for comfort zones, you must work day and night to deliver on your mandate. This is not a position for enjoyment or status, but for tireless service to Nigerians," Goronyo added. 

The MD/CEO of FERMA, Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi outlined the agency’s core focus as the management of road network with priority on economic corridors and addressing issues such as vandalism and overuse; and data collection, updating Nigeria’s road corridor map with traffic statistics to guide maintenance planning.

This, he said was supported by a technical working group tasked with preparing a draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman praised President Tinubu’s initiative on the delivery of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses comprising five units of 50-seater buses, 20 units of 14-seater buses, and 50 units of 50 -seater buses, which have collectively reduced transportation costs for NARTO operations by over 30 per cent. 

He highlighted the impact of the ministry’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in enforcing axle load limits, revealing that effective from 1st October, 2025, no truck will be allowed to load more than 45,000 litres, a move expected to reduce road damage and extend infrastructure lifespan.

Similarly, President of IPMAN, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima pledged full support for the ministry’s efforts, stating that: "Even a blind man can see that this government is doing its best to keep Nigerian roads in order. We stand fully behind your work."

This was contained in a statement by Queenet Iheoma-Hart for the Director of Press and Public Relations on Saturday in Abuja. 

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