Gov. Namadi Decries State Of Federal Roads In Jigawa, Canvasses More Funding For FERMA

By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse

Alarmed about the state of dilapidation of federal roads and bridges across the state, the Jigawa state Governor, Umar Namadi has challenged the National Assembly to allocate more resources to the relevant ministry to urgently effect repairs in them.

The governor made the request on Friday when members of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency, (FERMA) led by their Chairman, Hon. Aderemi Abbas Oseni visited him during a courtesy call in Dutse.

The governor said there were at least five important federal roads and a bridge which tranvasses across the state, which were in various state of dilapidation, noting that unless urgent steps were taken to repair them, accessing other parts of the country, especially the northeast would not be possible.

He maintained the fact that the contracts for some of the roads have been awarded by FERMA for the past five years, lamenting however, inadequate or non-releases of funds to FERMA have stunted the works on some of them.

He listed particularly the Kafin Hausa–Kwanar Liman–Hadejia road, which he said has remained untouched for over five years after the contract was awarded.

He also drew attention to the deteriorating Gumel–Maigatari road and the Birnin Kudu–Gwaram road, including a critical federal bridge on the Gwaram axis that has shifted and poses a serious threat.

“We’ve reported these issues to the Federal Ministry of Works, but budgetary allocations are always minimal—sometimes only ₦100–200 million, leading to ineffective maintenance.”

Namadi praised the committee’s oversight role in taking time to assess road infrastructure projects across the country, stressing that Jigawa State is committed to strong collaboration with the federal government on infrastructure delivery.

“Jigawa is working closely with the federal government to improve infrastructure. And we will continue to partner with committees like yours to deliver for our people.”

The governor, however, highlighted the state’s unmatched achievements in road construction and maintenance across the country.

“As of today, we are number one in Nigeria in terms of road networks. That’s not me saying it—it’s from the World Bank,” he said.

“We inherited 320 km of roads. Out of 26 projects, 25 have been completed. In December last year, we awarded contracts for 47 roads covering over 970 km. Some of these projects have reached over 50% completion. Others are at different stages.”

Despite these gains, the governor raised concerns over abandoned federal road projects under FERMA’s purview,

Earlier speaking, Oseni commended the Jigawa State Government for the strides recorded in road infrastructure and prudent management of resources.

“I’ve been to many states, and I must say, from what I’ve seen and heard, Jigawa is truly blessed with a competent leader,” he said.

“What has been done here, what is happening here today, and what has been done so far in the last one year in Jigawa State is a clue that Jigawa State is blessed with the right person at the helm of affairs.”

He pledged that the committee would work to address FERMA’s funding gaps and prioritize Jigawa’s federal road projects in the 2026 appropriation.

“We will objectively analyze the areas not covered by FERMA and ensure that more funding is added. We are proud of what is happening here, and we will do everything within our reach to support your vision.”