Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, has called for alternative funding beyond budgetary allocations to improve Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
Managing Director of the agency, Mr Emeka Agbasi made the call during the convocation lecture of the African University of Science and Technology, AUST, in Abuja.
Agbasi also underscored the need for increased investment in road infrastructure to enhance supply chains, improve quality of life, create opportunities and drive economic growth.
“Most of our budgetary provision cannot improve road infrastructure and as such, road user funding is necessary for good road network.
“Improving road infrastructure in Nigeria is critical in advancing socio-economic development.
“Speeding up the improvement in road infrastructure requires funding, maximise capacity and utility of the existing good road network and strategically invest in expansion.
“Political engagement must also be sustained and private sector investment must be maintained,” he said.
Agbasi emphasised the importance of leveraging modern technologies to ensure safety, productivity and environmental stewardship.
Also speaking at the event, President of AUST, Professor Peter Onwualu reflected on the university’s achievements, noting huge progress over the years.
“The university has really grown in leaps and bounds from what we used to be, a small, focused university, running only five programmes at Masters and PhD levels, to where we are today.
“We now have over 20 programmes at Masters and PhD level. The unique thing about this is that we find ourselves as the best in Africa.
“It is a small university, but in the last couple of years, it has trained Masters and PhDs from over 20 African countries,” he said. (NAN)
