FEDERAL HIGHWAYS ACT
Act · Transport
An Act defines federal highways in Nigeria and empowers the Federal Ministry of Works to maintain and regulate them. It targets road users and agencies responsible for federal roads. This establishes clear government ownership and supports road development and safety.
FEDERAL HIGHWAYS ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act defining what constitutes a federal highway in Nigeria, vesting federal roads in the Federal Government, and empowering the Federal Ministry of Works to maintain and regulate use of federal highways.
Who Does It Target?
Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) State governments whose roads intersect with federal roads Road users on federal highways
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Establish clear Federal Government ownership and responsibility for federal highways, provide a legal basis for maintenance and development, and regulate use of federal roads.
Key Features
Federal Highway Definition: Legally defines which roads constitute federal highways, distinguishing them from state and local roads. Vesting of Title: Federal highways are vested in the Federal Government which bears maintenance responsibility. Encroachment Prohibition: Prohibits construction of structures within the federal highway right-of-way without approval. Regulation Powers: Empowers the Minister to make regulations governing use of federal highways.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All federal highways nationwide Beneficiaries: Road users; national commerce; transport sector Funding: Federal appropriations; Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme
How to Access
Construction within the highway right-of-way requires Federal Ministry approval Heavy haulage on federal roads requires special permits Access roads connecting to federal highways require approval Application method: Encroachment and access approvals through Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
Important Terms
Encroachment on federal highway right-of-way without approval is an offence FERMA has maintenance responsibility for all federal highway carriageways States are responsible for state trunk roads regardless of traffic volume
Official Resources
Website: https://www.worksandhousing.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Works and Housing / FERMA
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Federal Highways Act (Cap F19 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act, the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act, and the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan. Aligns with the ECOWAS Trans-Coastal Highway framework and AU High Priority Cross-Border Road programme.