FERMA (Federal Roads Maintenance Agency) has introduced a new initiative called Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR) to improve the safety and quality of federal roads while creating temporary job opportunities for young people. The programme targets youths between the ages of 18 and 45 years living along road corridors.
In a statement released by the agency’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Maryam M. Sanusi, the launch took place on the Zuba-Giri-Abaji-Lokojo-Kogi State Border Road in Kwali, Abuja. She explained that the programme is aimed at enhancing road safety, reducing travel time and costs, and empowering communities through employment.
The Managing Director and CEO of FERMA, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, outlined the key areas of focus under OSGR. According to him, these include “vegetation control to enhance visibility, drainage management to prevent flooding, minor repairs, including patching of potholes, training on road maintenance operations for participants, as well as stipends for participants during the programme duration.”
Agbasi noted that this initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reduce poverty and curb accidents on major highways. He emphasized that OSGR would help the agency achieve its Key Performance Indicators (KPI) while encouraging community involvement in protecting road infrastructure.
He said, “This is not FERMA’s first foray into such programmes, having previously implemented the Stakeholders Assisted Rights of Way Maintenance Implementation Programme (SHAROW-MIP) and the Stakeholders Assisted Rights of Way Economic Sustainability Program (SHAROW-ESP).
“OSGR builds on these successes, serving as a social safety net and vital tool for transforming lives and bolstering economic resilience.”
The project is expected to address critical road maintenance needs while reducing vandalism of road furniture through youth participation and community engagement.