SURE-P: FG spends N2.7bn on road repairs

The Federal Road Maintenance Agency has so far spent over N2.7bn on the rehabilitation of some federal roads nationwide. The amount, obtained from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme funds, was for the acquisition of first grade road maintenance equipment, salaries and other overheads.
Disclosing this in a statement, the Convener, SURE-P/FERMA Public Works, Dr. Ngozi Olojeme, said the amount was part of the N4bn so far released by the Federal Government out of the N12bn applied for.
She spoke during an inspection tour of Abuja-Keffi Expressway on Thursday.

She said, “N4bn was approved by the committee for a period of six months. So far, over N2.7bn has been spent by FERMA and the balance for the remaining two months is still in the account.

“Roads are actively being maintained in the phase one of the project. Nigerian roads were left in a deteriorating state to the extent that a lot of lives had been lost. FERMA is devoting its energy to road maintenance all over the country. We are here today to inspect the Abuja-Keffi road and in a few weeks from today, we are going to be inspecting more in other states.”

She declared that the work going on along the Abuja-Keffi road was a reflection of what was going on all over the country, adding that all President Goodluck Jonathan wanted was for FERMA to achieve minimal pothole presence.

“We have to work daily to achieve our mandate. We have been travelling across the states to ensure results are achieved. We are doing it geopolitically and every state will be adequately represented, so that Nigerians can travel on well maintained roads,” she added