The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has launched what it calls Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR) to enhance the safety and quality of federal roads, as well as empower youths along road corridors between the ages of 18 and 45 years.

In a statement issued by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Maryam M. Sanusi, the launch, which took place on the Zuba-Giri-Abaji-Lokojo-Kogi State Border Road in Kwali, Abuja, is designed to improve road safety, reduce travel time and costs, and provide temporary employment opportunities for youths in abutting communities.

According to the statement, FERMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, highlighted key components of the programme, including “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.”

The Managing Director was quoted as stating that the programme is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reduce poverty and road carnage, stressing that the initiative would contribute to the agency’s Key Performance Indicator (KPI) and stimulate a sense of ownership among community youths by reducing vandalism of road furniture.

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.”