Roads: Cultivate stakeholders’ collaboration to tackle challenges, Goronyo tasks FERMA Board Chairman

By Chris Ochayi

The Minister of State for Works, Bar. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has advised the Chairman, Governing Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA ,Dr. Musa Babayo to cultivate stakeholders’ collaboration with a view to tackling the enormous maintenance challenges confronting the nation’s road network.

Goronyo made remarks, while officially inaugurating Dr. Babayo as FERMA Board Chairman on Wednesday in Abuja.

Goronyo, who is the Supervising Minister of FERMA, according to a statement issued by Maryam Mohammed Sanusi, Director Information and Public Relations at the agency, charged the new Chairman to provide policy direction for the FERMA’s management team.

The statement quoted Goronyo describing Dr. Babayo as a “proven professional and dedicated public servant.”

He recalled that his leadership at the former Education Trust Fund (ETF) and later the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) significantly strengthened Nigeria’s educational infrastructure.

The Minister also praised Dr. Babayo’s humanitarian contributions and unwavering commitment to national development.

“His track record of transparency, excellence, and national service assures us that he has the capacity to lead FERMA into a new era of efficiency and performance,” Goronyo stated.

Goronyo charged the new Chairman to provide effective oversight, strategic guidance, and strong policy direction to FERMA’s Management Team.

He further highlighted the expectations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, calling for accelerated and proactive maintenance of federal roads in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Transparent and judicious use of resources, with zero tolerance for waste.

Robust collaboration with the Ministry of Works, National Assembly, state governments, and other stakeholders to enhance nationwide infrastructure development.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, underscored the critical importance of the road sector to Nigeria’s economic development and national security.

He emphasized the need for strong collaboration between the Ministry of Works and FERMA to tackle the nation’s road maintenance challenges for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In his response, Dr. Musa Babayo expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his full commitment to guiding FERMA toward higher efficiency and improved delivery.

“We shall deploy every available resource, explore innovations, and invest in technology through sustainable funding,” he affirmed.

“With these combined efforts, engineers will engineer, contractors will deliver, and Nigerian citizens will appreciate the performance of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is committed to transforming our national economy.”

He further pledged to uphold the highest standards of accountability and integrity in managing FERMA’s financial resources.

Dr. Babayo also emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, in order to enhance funding and operational effectiveness.

The Managing Director/CEO of FERMA in his vote of thanks, welcomed the new Chairman, noting that his vast experience across the public and private sectors will serve as a strong asset to the agency’s mandate.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by FERMA board members, Directors from the Federal Ministry of Works, Directors from FERMA, and other distinguished guests.