Federal Highways Act (Amendment) Bill

Federal Highways Act (Amendment) Bill Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

An amendment to modernise the legal framework governing federal highways, introducing provisions for public-private partnerships, highway user charges, improved maintenance funding, and stronger safety enforcement on federal roads.

• The Federal Highways Act, which this amendment bill aims to modernize.

Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and FERMA Private sector highway concessionaires and road contractors Motorists and commercial transporters using federal highways Communities along federal highway corridors

Who Does It Target?

Federal Ministry of Works and Housing as the managing authority for federal highways. Private contractors and concessionaires under PPP arrangements for highway construction and maintenance. Road users, freight hauliers, and the public benefiting from federal highway infrastructure. State governments whose road networks connect to federal highways.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Improve the quality and maintenance of Nigeria's 35,000+ km federal road network Introduce legally backed PPP and tolling frameworks to diversify highway financing Strengthen enforcement of vehicle load limits to reduce road damage Improve highway safety standards, including lighting, signage, and emergency response

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: Federal budget, fuel levy contributions, and tolling revenues from PPP concessions

How to Access

Communities and road users report highway issues to FERMA; contractors bid for projects through procurement portal. Requirements: Contractors: registration with Bureau of Public Procurement and relevant technical certifications Community complaints: any resident or road user may report to FERMA PPP investors: prequalification through Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Application method: FERMA: www.ferma.gov.ng | ICRC for concessions: www.icrc.gov.ng

Important Terms

Unauthorised construction or encroachment on federal highway right-of-way is a criminal offence Toll charges on concessioned highways subject to NERC-equivalent regulatory approval Contractors must provide 10-year performance bonds on all major federal highway projects

Impact & Metrics

Only 30% of Nigeria's federal roads are in good condition; the amendment targets 60% of the network in good/fair condition by 2030 through sustained funding and PPP investment.

Official Resources

Website: www.works.gov.ng | www.ferma.gov.ng Contact: Ministry of Works — [email protected] | FERMA — [email protected] Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

• The Federal Highways Act, which this amendment bill aims to modernize.