Nigeria's FERMA Starts Repairs on Kano Eastern Bypass as Officials Decry Deteriorating Federal Roads

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, criticised the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for neglecting major federal highways in Edo and Delta states, citing the Benin‑Warri, Benin‑Asaba, Benin‑Auchi and Auchi‑Okene corridors as severely deteriorated. He urged the government to prioritise rehabilitation of existing roads before new construction, accusing the ministry of favouring new projects and overlooking budget allocations for critical routes.

Meanwhile, FERMA has begun a two‑week repair programme on the 13‑kilometre Kano Eastern Bypass, a key federal artery linking the Maiduguri corridor to Katsina and Kaduna. Supervising Engineer Sarfil Umar said the work, carried out by about 70 FERMA staff and additional labour, involves pothole patching, drainage desilting and street‑lighting repairs to prevent rain‑induced damage and reduce vehicle operating costs for thousands of commuters and commercial transporters. The project aims to improve traffic flow, extend the road’s lifespan and support regional trade.

Both incidents highlight ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s federal road network, where maintenance shortfalls impact economic activity and daily mobility across the country.