The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has pledged a significant overhaul of dilapidated federal roads within the next two years. Umahi made this commitment during the inauguration of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) board members in Abuja on Thursday.
Emphasizing the critical role of road infrastructure in socio-economic development, the minister stated that the improvement of road networks would contribute to reducing the current high inflation rate in the country. Umahi highlighted the impact of good roads on various economic activities, including the transportation of petroleum products, movement of agricultural produce, trade, and tourism.
He assured Nigerians that the federal government, under President Muhammadu Buhari, is prioritizing the transformation of roads across the nation. The minister expressed confidence in the forthcoming awarding of contracts to contractors who participated in the bidding process, noting that significant progress would be witnessed as construction activities commence.
Umahi directed the new FERMA board members to address the challenges facing road infrastructure maintenance in the country. He stressed the importance of passion and patriotism in bringing about positive changes, urging the board to actively engage with workers in different zones and remain committed to the responsibilities assigned to them.
In response, the Managing Director of FERMA, Chukwuemeka Agbasi, expressed gratitude to President Buhari for appointing them as board members. He assured the minister that the new board would discharge its duties with a sense of responsibility, aligning with the policies of the current administration.
The newly inaugurated FERMA board members include Chukwuemeka Agbasi, Ibi Manasseh, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala, Senator Timothy Aduda, Babatunde Daramola, Honourable Preye Oseke, Aminu Papa, Abubakar Bappa, Shehu Mohammed, and Yusuf Othman.