- Works Minister Bello Goronyo claims President Tinubu has given unprecedented attention to infrastructure, ordering immediate rehabilitation of major bridges
- Government targets critical projects including Lagos-Sokoto road, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and Trans-Saharan corridor with interventions across all 36 states
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to Minister of State for Works Bello Goronyo, has prioritized road infrastructure more than any other president in the last 40 years.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja with the Managing Director of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Goronyo stated that the president has ordered the immediate rehabilitation of major bridges in poor condition across the country.
According to him, bridges such as the Wukari-Jalingo Bridge, Makwa Bridge, Gurara Bridge, Third Mainland Bridge, and Carter Bridge are in need of urgent repairs. He explained that the initiative aims to strengthen economic corridors and facilitate movement across the country.
“The secret behind this is the unwavering commitment and support of Mr. President. In his Renewed Hope Agenda, infrastructure ranks as priority number five, serving as a key enabler of growth and development. I can say without mincing words that there has never been a president in the last four decades who has given this much attention to infrastructure,” Goronyo said.
He commended the leadership of the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for “bringing his wealth of engineering experience to bear” in delivering projects, and praised FERMA’s efforts to maintain more than 36,000 kilometres of federal roads despite limited funding.
The minister listed critical legacy projects under Tinubu’s administration, including the Lagos–Sokoto road, Lagos–Badagry Expressway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Ebonyi–Nasarawa–Abuja route, and the Trans-Saharan corridor from Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe.
He added that all 36 states have benefited from road interventions, with ongoing works in strategic corridors such as Abuja–Lokoja, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano, and Sokoto–Zaria.
“This is a president who cares for every region. He is the people’s president, present for all. With his support, we are confident of delivering prosperity and the much-needed development of our dear nation,” he concluded.
FERMA’s Managing Director, Chukwuemeka Agbasi, emphasized the importance of the stakeholders’ meeting, describing it as a platform to strengthen collaboration with key players in the transport and petroleum sectors.
“We are working around the clock to ensure our federal highways remain in good condition. Despite the lean budget, we are adopting innovative maintenance strategies to cover more roads and respond quickly to emergencies,” he said.
The National President of NARTO, Yusuf Othman, described the meeting as timely, stressing that better roads would improve safety, reduce vehicle operating costs, and enhance the efficiency of goods transportation.
“Our members ply these roads daily, and we know first-hand the impact bad roads have on the economy. This collaboration with the Works Ministry and FERMA gives us confidence that change is coming,” he said.
National Chairman of IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi, pledged the association’s support for the government’s road initiatives, particularly in ensuring the smooth movement of petroleum products.
“Good roads mean faster and safer delivery of fuel across the country. It will reduce delays and losses, which ultimately benefits every Nigerian,” Maigandi said.