EXPLORING BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN FERMA AND IKEE GROUP

       EXPLORING BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN FERMA AND IKEE GROUP
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) as the foremost road maintenance organ of the Federal Government of Nigeria has always been poised to partner with organizations that will further enhance the actualization of the Agency’s mandate.  In this regard, FERMA has demonstrated the willingness to explore a mutually benefitting bilateral relations between the governments of Nigeria and Japan anchored by Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA).
JICA, an implementing Agency of Japanese Official Development Aid (ODA) for the purpose of supporting the socio-economic development, recovery or economic stability of developing regions coordinate some organizations such as IKEE Group of Japan (working with STANDAGE Nigeria LTD) for such partnering.
As such, the initiative has fostered an in-road into the Nigerian market with IKEE’s Group introduction of their brand of COLD Asphalt- ‘Excel Patch’ to FERMA as was witnessed on 13th October, 2023 when a team showcased the product to the MD/C.E.O (FERMA), Engr. Emeka Agbasi, Directors and some Management Staff. Subsequently, a one-day seminar themed: Road Maintenance Seminar; Advantage of Excel Patch was held on 15th February, 2024 in Abuja Continental Hotel and an on-site demonstration of the usage of the cold asphalt was carried out on 16th February, 2024 in Gwarimpa, all to explore the technology.  FERMA was adequately represented at the events with Engr. Ini Usoro representing the MD/C.E.O, Wale Adeeko (Head; Research & Development ) as well as the representative of Directors of the Agency. While on the side of the Japanese team were Kato Masaharu (rep. Japanese Embassy); Shu Nishiyama (IKEE CEO); Takuro Abe; Kumihiro Natsui; Hiroshi Yokoyama (all of IKEE Group) while Dave Gabriel and Miho Sato are representatives of STANDAGE Nigeria.