The Managing Director/CEO Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Engr. Nuruddeen Rafindadi, has pledged close working relationship with the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) for standard road signage for federal highways to reduce accidents and make the roads safer for users.
The MD made this pledge when he received a delegation from the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) led by Deputy Corps Commander, FRCS Signage Plant, DCC Martin A. Dapel, MNSE, Fcai+rss today 2nd December, 2020 at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Rafindadi disclosed that, ‘’FRSC is a critical stakeholder of the Agency and working closely with FERMA to reduce accidents on the roads is imperative. Road signs and road markings are essential part of safety on our roads and FERMA is ready to partner with FRSC to ensure users’ safety’’
The MD further added that he has observed that products made in Nigeria often times compete favourably with imported products, and even better. He instructed the Director of Planning and Engineering Services to immediately study FRSC’s proposals and schedule the Agency’s requirements with the aim of initiating interactive partnership with FRSC.
The FERMA Boss also said that the cost of the product may not necessarily be an issue, as what is very important was the quality and standard of the product. He said, ‘’ I have seen products from FRSC, they have good products, the prices of the product may not be compared with products from others, what is important is the quality and standard of FRSC products. You can imagine a product bought at a higher price lasting for 15 years and the one bought at a lower price lasting for 3 years, it is just wise that we go for the best product.
Earlier, DCC Dapel in his opening remarks thanked the MD for the audience. He said, FERMA and FRSC have been collaborating since inception. He commended the good working relationship between the two Organizations.
Dapel stated that the purpose of the visit was to inform FERMA that FRSC has a plant that produces signage. He said “FRSC products are of high quality and can compete with world best standard, the signage produced have a life span of at least 15 years”.
He explained that signage are about regulations, warnings, informing and giving direction for proper use of the roads. He said roads without signage are death traps".
The DCC remarked that since FERMA has been playing a vital role in keeping the roads safe and motorable, it was important that collaboration be made with the Agency as regards the use of standard signage to further enhance the Agency’s efforts in carrying out its duties.