The Government of Japan has donated construction equipment worth N3.6 billion to Nigeria for the purpose of transforming the capacity of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to rehabilitate vast road networks in the country.

Taking delivery of the equipment in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, said the gesture will usher in a new era of road maintenance, enabling engineers and technicians to deliver faster and more sustainable outcomes.

Describing the equipment as a “game changer,” the minister noted that Nigeria’s extensive road network remains vital to commerce, agriculture, health, and national integration.
He stated that although the Nigerian road network has always posed a challenge in terms of maintenance, the delivery of such high-tech equipment will substantially complement the work of site engineers and FERMA.

In a statement released by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Works, the minister urged the leadership of FERMA and its technical team to ensure optimal utilization of the donated equipment and treat them as a strategically valued asset and a milestone in the nation’s pursuit of sustainable renewal.

“The commissioning ceremony on 1st August 2025 brought together key stakeholders and distinguished figures from both the public and private sectors. Those in attendance included the Chairman, Senate Committee on FERMA, Senator Sahabi Yau; the Chairman, House Committee on FERMA, Engr. Remi Oseni; the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Suzuki Hideo; the Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Emeka Agbasi; members of the Board of FERMA; former Managing Directors; the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margret Oguntala, FNSE; and the Programme Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi.

“This generous contribution from Japan brings us closer to our vision of a smoother, safer, and more reliable travel across the country. Roads are the lifeblood of our economy and daily life, and this equipment is a game changer in our ability to utilize and preserve them,” he added.

The Honourable Minister also noted that Nigeria’s extensive road network remains vital to commerce, agriculture, healthcare, and national integration, even as it continues to face significant maintenance challenges.

The minister was further quoted as saying, “We envision a future where travel across Nigeria is seamless, secure, and dependable. This generous donation moves us closer to making that vision a reality.”

On behalf of the President and the people of Nigeria, Goronyo extended profound gratitude to the Government of Japan for its tangible support and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development.

“This equipment is a valuable asset, and its effective deployment will reflect our commitment to improving the quality of life for all Nigerians,” the minister declared.