The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced a one-month routine and preventive maintenance of the Zuba-Abaji-Kogi State border road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), targeting improved traffic flow, road safety and security along the strategic corridor.
The maintenance exercise, which commenced on Monday, covers the stretch between Chainage 46+000 and Chainage 88+000 and forms part of FERMA’s nationwide road maintenance programme approved by its Managing Director and Chief Executive, Engr. (Dr.) Chukwuemeka Agbasi.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer, FCT, Engr. Martin Chidozie Eze, urged the 50 participants engaged for the exercise to demonstrate commitment, professionalism and dedication throughout the programme.
Eze said the intervention was designed to improve road safety, extend the lifespan of the infrastructure and provide employment opportunities for youths living along the road corridor.
Working tools, safety kits and reflective jackets were also distributed to the participants to facilitate effective and safe execution of the maintenance works.
FERMA said the Zuba-Abaji-Kogi border road was prioritised because of its strategic economic importance, noting that the route serves as a major artery connecting Northern Nigeria with the southern part of the country and facilitates the movement of people, goods and services.
The agency said the one-month maintenance programme would include desilting of the carriageway and hydraulic structures, vegetation control, removal of refuse and abandoned vehicles, provision of earth drains, as well as filling and repair of potholes.
According to FERMA, the intervention is also expected to improve visibility along federal highways, reduce road accidents and insecurity, and minimise the effects of torrential rainfall through improved drainage systems.
The agency further said the engagement of local youths would help discourage criminal activities along the corridor while strengthening cooperation between FERMA and host communities.
The Managing Director expressed confidence that successful completion of the exercise would reinforce FERMA’s commitment to maintaining federal road infrastructure and uphold the agency’s standards in road maintenance nationwide.
