The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has stated that Nigeria requires ₦880 billion annually to properly maintain its road network.
Speaking at a public hearing by the House Ad-hoc Committee, he emphasized that the 5% user charge on petroleum products and diesel mandated under the FERMA Act was intended as a sustainable funding source for road maintenance but has not been adequately implemented.
Goronyo highlighted FERMA’s chronic underfunding, which has led to reactive rather than preventive road maintenance, resulting in deteriorating roads and increased repair costs. He stressed that well-maintained roads are vital for commerce, social integration, and national development under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen (represented by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda) criticized the failure of relevant agencies to enforce and remit the 5% user charge. He called for a full investigation to uncover the extent of non-compliance and identify those responsible.
Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Francis Waive, clarified that the hearing aimed to promote transparency, accountability, and legal compliance, not to target individuals.
