Agency Boss Links Road Infrastructure To Unity, Security

Chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr Musa Babayo, has emphasised the critical link between good road infrastructure, national unity and security, stating that poor road conditions can contribute to insecurity in the country.

Babayo stated this at the 2025 Nigeria First Unity Summit, organised by The Unity Project Nigeria (TUPN), which attracted senior government officials, security experts, youth leaders and civil society representatives.

Themed “Peace, Unity and Security: A Collective Responsibility,” the summit reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s development and security challenges, with infrastructure identified as a key enabler of national stability.

The FERMA boss stated that a functional road network promotes economic integration, social interaction, and national cohesion. In contrast, neglected roads can hinder movement, limit access to communities, and create opportunities for criminal activities.

He also noted that technology plays a critical role in road monitoring and security, highlighting that digital surveillance, data-driven maintenance systems, and real-time tracking can enhance road safety, support security operations, and contribute to peacebuilding efforts nationwide.

Babayo further assured that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to improving road infrastructure, saying FERMA is aligning with the vision through innovative maintenance strategies and strategic partnerships.

He announced FERMA’s readiness to partner with The Unity Project Nigeria, acknowledging the organisation’s role in convening stakeholders for constructive dialogue on peace, unity and security.

In their separate remarks, dignitaries at the event, including representatives of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohammed Marwa, lauded the organisation’s unwavering commitment to national peace, unity and security.

They particularly applauded the founder and convener of TUPN, Jennifer Serrano, for her inclusive leadership style and ability to convene diverse actors across sectors for constructive engagement on issues critical to Nigeria’s stability, emphasising that her work aligns strongly with national efforts to strengthen unity, social cohesion, and collaborative security frameworks.

In her remarks, Serrano called for collective efforts and unity of purpose to resolve the issues of insecurity which threaten the very fabric of Nigeria’s nationhood.

She described the recent narrative of Christian genocide in Nigeria as false and malicious propaganda, promoted by the enemies of the country, adding that Nigeria is a land of opportunities which gives everyone the chance to be their very best without prejudice over religion or tribe.

“I hereby call on all Nigerians to come together as one to protect the sovereignty of Nigeria. The mainstream media and social media influencers should shine the spotlight on the positives, while religious, traditional, and political leaders must guide on truth and equity. Meanwhile, youth leaders, market leaders, and the private sector must cooperate and support the security agencies.

“I am appealing to the youths in particular to cultivate patriotism and be careful in their communication, especially on social media. We must promote Nigeria in a good light. Remember, Peace, Unity and security are a collective responsibility.

“At TUPN, as we celebrate 6 years of advancing national cohesion, youth inclusion and reorientation, we humbly solicit the support and participation of all Nigerians and the international community to keep Nigeria as one, just as our motto remains ‘Together we can’. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Serrano added.