The Coalition of Civil Society Network has called on the federal government and relevant stakeholders to equip the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to meet its target of maintaining roads as the agency fixed over 3000km of roads within one year.
The Coalition called during a solidarity rally in Abuja on Monday in support of FERMA Managing Director Dr Emeka Agbasi.
The Coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society Network, Amb. Mahmud Abubakar said that despite acute funding, FERMA, under the leadership of Dr Agbasi, has rehabilitated approximately 3,698.89 kilometres of federal roads and 82.39 kilometres of non-federal roads.
He said these road expansions were made motorable due to Dr. Agbasi’s commitment to enhancing the quality of road networks, which are crucial for economic growth and development.
The Coalition said Dr Agbasi had made substantial progress in just one year in office, “with approximately 3,698.89 kilometres of federal roads rendered motorable. Dr Agbasi also successfully maintained an impressive 82.39 kilometres of non-federal roads, ensuring that vital connections within our nation remain accessible and safe.”
He said FERMA, under the leadership of Dr Agbasi, has also patched an astounding 26,861.44 square meters of potholes on federal roads and 27,659.96 square meters on non-federal roads.
“These efforts not only improve the safety of our roads but also enhance the overall driving experience for all road users,” he said.
Speaking further, he told FERMA that he also fixed 41 embankment washouts.
“These monumental projects embarked upon by Dr Agbasi have created about 12,412 direct and indirect jobs, allowing Nigerians to earn a living,” he added.
The Coalition said Dr. Agbasi’s dedication to excellence and vision for better road infrastructure have instilled a sense of purpose and urgency in the agency’s mission.
“Identifying funding as the greatest challenge of road maintenance in Nigeria, the MD is working harmoniously with relevant authorities to ensure upward budgetary allocations to this critical area.
“As an experienced road maintenance expert, Dr. Agbasi has kickstarted establishing a state-owned enterprise to generate revenue for the agency, which will be used to maintain our roads.
“As we celebrate this significant achievement, we look forward to the future. With Dr Agbasi at the helm, we are confident that the Federal Road Maintenance Agency will continue to make great strides in ensuring that our roads are safe, efficient, and capable of supporting the growth of our nation in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We seize the opportunity to call on the relevant stakeholders and the government to equip the agency to do more to meet its targets and deliver the dividends we desire for our nation. Without funding, the Agency cannot meet up adequately in maintaining this already fatigued critical national asset, which is our roads,”
