FERMA LAUNCHES OPERATION SAFEGUARD THE ROAD

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has flagged-off Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR) to give Nigerians better experience while using the Federal Roads network. The programme is designed to ensure that there is safety and economic empowerment of youths along road corridors. 

The programme was launched today 25th September, 2025 along the Zuba-Giri-Abaji-Lokoja-Kogi S/B Road, Kwali, Abuja. This strategy involves enhancement of visibility through vegetation control, drainage management to control flood and minor repairs which include patching of potholes up to about 200 metres to reduce accident. The programme will empower youths by offering temporary employment and giving them stipends while it lasts. 

In his speech the Managing Director/CEO of FERMA, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, FNSE, disclosed that the programme is in partnership with the host community and it is connected to President Bola Timubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reduce poverty and carnage on our roads. It seeks to improve safety, reduce travel time and cost. It aims at engaging unemployed youths ages 18 to 45 along the abutting communities. 

This initiative will prevent premature deterioration of the roads network. This programme will also contribute to the Agency’s Key Performance Indicator (KPI) which we report on a quarterly basis. The participants will be given training on road maintenance operations, to enhance their skills. The engagement will also stimulate the sense of ownership of the road by the employed community youths which will eventually tame vandalism of road furniture. 

This is not the first time the Agency is embarking on this type of programme. Stakeholders Assisted Rights of Way Maintenance Implementation Programme (SHAROW-MIP) and Stakeholders Assisted Rights of Way Economic Sustainability Program (SHAROW-ESP) were similar programmes carried out in the past. 

The OSGR programme stands as the latest and most impactful of these initiatives. It functions both as a social safety net and a vital tool for transforming lives and bolstering economic resilience.