By Fatima Saka
As 80% of Nigeria’s road network remains in poor condition, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Senator Hussaini Babaginda Uba, has raised concerns over the deteriorating state of the country’s highways and bridges, emphasizing their vulnerability to security breaches.
Speaking before the Appropriation Committee on Friday in Abuja, Senator Uba warned of an impending infrastructure crisis.
“I don’t want to cause panic across Nigeria, but I must be honest—our bridges are failing.”
The Senator, who represents Jigawa North-West Senatorial District, also addressed misconceptions about toll gates, arguing that while some believe Nigerians are unwilling to pay for road usage due to fuel price concerns, he believes otherwise.
“It may be true that some Nigerians hesitate to pay tolls, but I strongly believe they will be willing to pay for well-maintained and safe roads. The real danger today is not just bad roads—it’s the security risks they pose. Many highway crimes happen when vehicles slow down for potholes or road obstacles, creating opportunities for criminals to strike.”
Call for Sustainable Road Funding
Senator Uba stressed the need for innovative funding solutions to maintain Nigeria’s roads, rather than relying solely on budgetary allocations.
“It is not enough to tie a critical institution like FERMA to inconsistent budget allocations. If funding remains inadequate, our roads will continue to deteriorate, and the consequences will be severe.”
He also highlighted the clear distinction between FERMA and the Federal Ministry of Works, emphasizing their different roles.
“The Ministry of Works focuses on construction and rehabilitation, while FERMA is responsible for continuous road maintenance clearing drainages, patching potholes, and keeping roads in good condition. The Senate’s rulebook and the Constitution clearly outline their respective functions, yet we have chosen not to enforce them.”
Bridges at Risk of Collapse
The Senator issued a stark warning about the structural integrity of bridges across the country, citing a rising risk of collapse due to poor maintenance and excessive static loads.
“Bridges are designed to carry moving loads, not dead weight. When barriers break, debris accumulates, putting immense strain on the structure. This is why we are seeing more bridges fail. We barely managed to salvage the Tambora Bridge in Cairo in 2021, and if urgent action is not taken, more collapses are imminent.”
A Call for Urgent Action
Speaking to journalists, Senator Uba shared his firsthand experience with Nigeria’s road crisis, citing recent tragedies caused by poor road conditions.
“As a Nigerian who also travels by road, I see the dangers firsthand. We hear about accidents daily and the loss of lives and properties. In my state, a tanker accident caused by a pothole killed over 200 people. Another recent crash in Duku, Niger State, was also due to road conditions. We cannot continue to ignore this reality.”
The Senator emphasized the economic implications of road maintenance, arguing that it should be treated as an economic driver, not just an afterthought.
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“Nigeria’s road assets are worth over ₦100 trillion at today’s exchange rate. Yet, the funds allocated for maintenance are so inadequate that they cannot sustain even a single federal highway. Maintenance creates jobs and opportunities. It is an economy in itself. Proper funding will provide employment for local communities and improve road safety.”
Concluding his remarks, Senator Uba urged the government to prioritize road infrastructure funding to prevent further deterioration.
“I have made our position clear to the committee. Now, we must act. If we fail to properly fund FERMA, we will continue to witness the deadly consequences of neglected roads and collapsing bridges.”
