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The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency is set to collaborate with the Federal Housing Authority on road construction and rehabilitation projects.
The announcement was made in a recent statement issued by FERMA Director of Information and Public Relations, Maryam Sanusi.
During a courtesy visit by Oyetunde Ojo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FHA, to FERMA’s headquarters on Wednesday, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FERMA, Chukwuemeka Agbasi, stressed the importance of road infrastructure to the success of housing projects.
He acknowledged that FERMA would be an essential partner in ensuring accessible and motorable roads for FHA housing developments, stating, “Housing and road infrastructure are vital components of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and since the roads leading to these projects are federal roads, FERMA will ensure they are motorable.”
Agbasi revealed plans to constitute a team to assess the required scope of work and incorporate it into the 2025 budget while seeking alternative funding sources.
He expressed optimism about the potential long-term benefits of the partnership, noting that FERMA could leverage the relationship to develop the agency’s land and enhance service delivery.
“We will incorporate it into the 2025 budget appropriation while seeking alternative funding sources,” Agbasi explained.
Ojo, in his response, emphasised that the partnership was crucial for the success of the Federal Government’s goal of providing affordable housing to Nigerians.
He appealed to FERMA to prioritise roads leading to major FHA estates in Abuja, such as Gwarimpa and Lugbe, as well as the FESTAC estate in Lagos.
“Accessible roads are critical for the success of housing projects, and FERMA support will enable FHA to focus on delivering affordable housing to Nigerians, including FERMA staff, who will be among the beneficiaries,” Ojo stated.
Ojo also commended FERMA for its maintenance efforts on key roads and estates, particularly in Gwarimpa in the FCT, Ekiti and Kano State.
In a related development, Engr. Agbasi inaugurated the FERMA Integrated Project Delivery Team to enhance infrastructure project funding through Public-Private Partnerships.
The initiative was aimed at addressing the agency’s funding challenges by commercialising FERMA’s underutilised physical assets and diversifying income streams.
“The Federal Government’s limited capacity to fully fund infrastructure projects has made PPPs an essential solution. By leveraging this approach, FERMA can bridge funding gaps, generate new revenue streams, and ensure the efficient delivery of critical infrastructure,” Agbasi explained.
The FIPDT, coordinated by Mr Nyihemba Daniel, includes 10 members from various sectors, including Mr Akwu Okolo from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.
The team will focus on the FERMA maintain-operate-transfer programme, positioning the agency for long-term sustainability.
The partnership with the FHA and the establishment of the FIPDT are expected to enhance FERMA’s ability to fulfil its mandate of providing well-maintained roads and supporting affordable housing projects, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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