By Dele Ogbodo
The newly redeployed Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Adebiyi Olufunso, has assured the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), of his support in delivering her mandate of effectively and efficiently monitoring and maintaining all Federal roads across the country.
He made this disclosure today Thursday 16th January, 2025 during the agency’s briefing and interactive session with the Permanent Secretary, by the Managing Director/CEO of FERMA, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, in the company of his Directors and Heads of Units, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged that the Ministry is working on the possibility of alternative sources of funding to mitigate the funding challenges being experienced by the agency.
He assured them that he will work closely with the Management of FERMA as colleagues and to give them the sense of belonging, urging them to work within the ambit of the laws.
He promised to protect them if they abide by the public service rules and are diligent in discharging their responsibilities as civil servants.
The Director, Information and PR, Mrs. Maryam Sanusi, in a statement, quoted the Permanent Secretary as reiterating the need for FERMA to synergize with the Ministry to avoid duplication of responsibilities.
He noted that retreats/seminars will be arranged often for staff especially the engineers to enhance capacity building.
Olufunso, acknowledged that public offices need to be digitalized to enhance efficiency and information security. He cautioned that the agency should be weary of troubled spots along the highways, urging them to work closely with the security agencies.
He also noted that the Ministry is working on the possibility of alternative sources of funding to mitigate the funding challenges being experienced by the agency. However, he called on FERMA to do more of direct labour and less of contract to be able to cover more grounds and save government resources.
Olufunso, emphasized the need for FERMA to assiduously publicize its activities and achievements so that the general public will appreciate the efforts of government in addressing the road challenges.
Earlier in his detailed presentation, the Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, enumerated the establishment, mandate, structure and operational Zones of FERMA, as well as its strategic objectives, achievements, funding profile, the next steps and challenges.
