Road Maintenance : House To Revitalize FERMA

By Oduyemi Odumade

The House of Representatives Commitee on Federal Road Maintainace Agency, FERMA, is set to revitalize the agency to enable it address issues affecting road maintainace in the country.

Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Aderemi Oseni who stated this in Abuja at the Inaugural meeting of the committee highlighted insufficient funding, maintenance Strategy, lack of modern infrastructure and bureaucratic bottlenecks as factors hindering the Agency from carrying out its mandate.effectively.

According to the Lawmaker, these factors has led to deteriorating road conditions, increased accidents and significant economic losses.

” Our task, as Members of the committee is to tackle these challenges head-on and rebirth a new FERMA that works,” he said.

He told members that a document outlining the 14 point legislative agenda which will serve as a roadmap for repositioning, rebirthing and reengineering is underway.

“As part of the legislative 14-point agenda for the years 2023-2027, one of the key initiatives to revitalise the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) is the adoption of a new approach to performing oversight functions.

“This approach aims to shift the ad hoc committee of the National Assembly, serving as a mere supervisory arm to become a partner in progress with FERMA management.

“Together, we will work towards achieving improved road maintenance and efficiency in Nigeria. We would use the instrument of effective legislatioen, oversight, partnership, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and adherence to best global practices to revitalize, reposition, reengineer, and rebirth FERMA, ushering in a new era of improved road mainatenance and efficiency for Nigerians.

“This new approach recognizes the need for a knowledgeable, professional, upright, and diligent legislative committee that will prioritize the best interests of Nigerians. By engaging as partners rather than adversaries, the committee and FERMA will be able to foster a Collaborative environment focused on achieving common goals”.

The Lawmaker, there after called on members to commit themselves to gradual and sustainable progress, be resilient and persistent in the pursuit of excellence.

Edited ByGrace Namiji