Acting Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in the State, Ali Abdu, lamented over this when he appeared before the House Committee on FERMA, on Tuesday.

He briefed the lawmakers on the activities of the agency on 2023 contract projects.

He said, “Sadly, some contractors are not competent, they don’t even have a shovel, talk less of working equipment, but get contracts of millions to execute.”

He added that part of the problems the agency is facing is “lack of operational vehicles, as those for supervision are either not working or need to be replaced.”

The engineer highlighted that the Federal Road across the borders of Kano amounts to 990 kilometres; while 423 kilometres are in good condition, 502 are in fair condition, 32km in poor condition, and 33 kilometers are in bad condition, whereas 16 contracts were appropriated in the 2023 budget and only one was on the Federal Road.

He said out of the 16 contracts, six had been completed, five were ongoing, one contractor had reported but yet to commence work, and four contractors were yet to report.

Earlier, the Chairman House Committee on FERMA, Engr. Aderemi Abasi Oseni, and other honourable members of the committee engaged the Zonal Directors and Federal Road Maintenance Engineers (FRME) from North West Zone I and II of the Agency on their activities.

FERMA zone I comprises Kano, Kaduna and Katsina while Zone II covers Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi, headed by two Zonal Directors.

Engr Oseni said the committee is committed to assisting in the continuous operation and actualization of the agency’s mandate as professionals.

“We are here to see how you are faring. With the quality of your presentation and what we saw here physically on site, I think there is an opportunity for us to appreciate the quality of staff that we have at FERMA.

“You have demonstrated competence and have sufficiently proven that we can have hope in you when we come to quality road delivery, and where you equally need to be assisted, we have seen that from what you expressed and within the limit and grace of privilege that I have as the Chairman of this agency, we will do our best to compliment what you are doing.”

On his part, the Deputy Chairman of the committee who is also the team leader of the northwest zone, Sadiq Ango Abudullahi, commended the activities of the agency.

“This zone has tried in terms of quality service delivery and we have promised them to help them face some of the challenges through legislation and in line with the legislative agenda we intend to address some of the issues that they are facing.”

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Speaking at an interactive session with the House Committee on FERMA, Engineer Agbasi said budgetary appropriations to the agency are grossly inadequate, adding that the current budgetary appropriation (for 2023) is far less than the required target, with less than 50 percent of the total appropriation released so far.

According to the document submitted to the Committee, the FERMA helmsman said aside from the 90 projects awarded by the Agency in 2023, no fewer than 200 other projects are being processed for award.

The document revealed that the Agency through budgetary allocation and intervention for general maintenance and special repairs executed 85 road projects valued at N132,288,002,695.20 as well as 79 projects valued at N17,144,883,320.78, while 53 projects executed through direct labour gulped N3,218,445,391.07.

Dr. Agbasi said the agency has plans to holistically review its funding sources outside budgetary allocation including sourcing support and interventions from local and international donors such as the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF), and Japanese Grant Aid, among others.

He also disclosed that the Agency is also exploring international multilateral support from the UK Export Finance Credit Facility (UKEF), while targeting special intervention funds through the Natural Resources Fund, and Ecological Fund, as well as confiscated funds from the Anti-corruption drive of the present administration.

Speaking earlier, Hon. Oseni however said: “It saddens me to say that the state of our roads has reached a deplorable state, resulting in untold hardship for our fellow Nigerians, hampering economic growth, and tarnishing our nation’s image.

“The image of FERMA in the eyes of the public is one of inefficiency, corruption, and ineptitude. This is a reality we cannot ignore and thus a perception that must be changed, and it is our duty as representatives of the people to take decisive actions to address this issue and ensure that FERMA becomes a beacon of hope for Nigerians.

“As stated in the Nigerian Constitution, ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’ Our responsibility as the House Committee on FERMA is to uphold this principle by working tirelessly to improve the state of our roads, ensuring the safety and convenience of our citizens.

“Let me state unequivocally that the 10th National Assembly will not accept business as usual in FERMA. The days of huge budgetary allocations with little or no impact on road maintenance are over. We are here to ensure that every naira spent by FERMA delivers tangible results for the Nigerian people.

“As a supervisory committee, it is our solemn duty to ensure that FERMA operates at the highest standard, achieves tangible results, and serves the Nigerian people effectively. We will demand performance, value for money, accountability, transparency, and professionalism from FERMA, and this House Committee will not hesitate to utilize the full instruments of the law to sanction any misdeeds that come to our attention.”

While stressing the need to ensure improved road infrastructure, enhance transportation connectivity, and facilitate economic growth, Hon. Oseni expressed optimism that the legislative intervention will help to improve road safety, reducing accidents and fatalities on Nigerian roads.

He added that the adoption of innovative technologies and practices will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of road maintenance, resulting in reduced travel times and an improved overall user experience.

According to him, some of the challenges facing FERMA include: inadequate funding, outdated equipment, a lack of capacity, manpower shortages etc will be addressed through proper legislative intervention to find lasting solutions.

He said: “Most importantly and urgently, recognizing the funding challenges faced by FERMA, this agenda aims to address the limitations in financial resources that hinder the agency’s ability to effectively carry out its mandate of maintaining federal roads.

“The 10th National Assembly agenda for FERMA includes expanding road infrastructure maintenance funding and achieving financial sustainability. To this end, the legislative arm will work with FERMA to enhance, explore and expand the 22 newly identified revenue sources.”

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The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says two men died in the fire outbreak that gutted a section of the Canadian high commission in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Isa also confirmed that a diesel tank explosion was responsible for the fire incident.

Nkechi Isa, FEMA spokesperson, made the confirmation in a statement on Monday evening.

Earlier, it was unclear what had started the fire at the Canadian high commission building.

However, there were reports that there was an explosion at the commission’s power-generating plant.

According to Isa, the diesel tank exploded around 10:45 a.m. in the commission’s generator house when two MIKANO generators were being serviced by a five-man team from JMD company.

“One of the generators was said to be working, while the other one was being serviced when a tank containing 2,000 litres of diesel in the generator house exploded,” Isa said.

“Two of the personnel servicing the generator died from the explosion while two others survived with severe burns and were taken to the Trauma Centre at the National Hospital, Abuja.”

The FEMA spokesperson added that the FCT fire service was able to contain the fire around 12.30 p.m. while ambulances from the ministry of defence, federal fire service, and FEMA were on standby.

Mohammed Sabo, acting FEMA director-general, called for caution while handling petroleum products with the onset of the dry season.

Sabo asked residents to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of any disaster or emergency.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier sympathised with the government of Canada and offered aid to any of the staff affected by the fire incident.

The post Two generator repairmen killed in Canadian high commission fire outbreak appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Labour unions have tackled Godswill Akpabio, senate president, for announcing nominees of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) as “executive board members”. 

Akpabio on Wednesday, while reading a letter President Bola Tinubu sent to the senate seeking confirmation of nominees for a new FERMA board, announced some of the nominees as executive board members.

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), described the announcement by the senate president as discouraging and demoralising to the staff of FERMA.

Their letter of disapproval was jointly signed by Paul Onimisi and Abdulmumin Idris, respective chairpersons of the unions.

“The appointment of some members as executive board members to eventually take over the running of the departments is contrary to FERMA Act and detrimental to the career progression of the employees of the agency,” the letter reads.

“It will not serve the agency any good in achieving its mandate.

“The appointment of some persons as executive board members is contrary to the provisions of Section 2(2) of the FERMA Act as amended and career progression within government agencies.

“It is counter productive and demoralising for career officers as the intention is for the executive board members to take over from career officers who are running departments.

“We urge you respectfully, distinguished Senate President, to confirm the appointment of members of the board in accordance with the Act that created the board.

“To do otherwise is to usher in a chain of events that will disrupt the structure of the agency, derail its mandate and demoralise the workers.”

The unions also called for a reversal of the announcement.

“The agency and its members of staff are peacefully working towards the achievement of its mandate in their service to the nation,” the letter reads.

“An urgent clarion call is hereby made for the immediate reversal of this illegality to forestall looming anarchy this contraption may cause.

“In line with Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda, it is our lawful demand that the appointees be confirmed as board members not executive board members.

”Any contrary action to the provisions of the FERMA (Establishment Act 2002) as amended will be resisted.”

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Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson made this known in a statement on Thursday.

The president appointed the 24-year-old “for a renewable term of four (4) years, in accordance with Section 2(3) of the FERMA Amendment Act, 2007”.

The appointment was said to have generated concerns, with many saying he lacked the requisite experience for the job.

Following the reactions, Ngelale said the nomination has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

Although no reason was given by the presidency for the decision, Ngelale said all other appointments to the Board and Executive Management team of FERMA are not affected by this directive.

The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of the nomination of Engr. Imam Kashim Imam to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

“The President’s withdrawal of the above-mentioned nomination is directed with immediate effect.

“All other appointments to the Board and Executive Management team of FERMA are not affected by this directive.”

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Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, on Thursday hinted that the President was going to approve the Board’s appointment in a bid to make the ongoing nationwide road repairs intervention go smoothly.

However, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu demanded competent service delivery from the new Board.

The appointment also has Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi as the Managing Director of FERMA.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Governing Board and Management team of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for a renewable term of four (4) years, in accordance with Section 2(3) of the FERMA Amendment Act, 2007:

“Chairman of FERMA Board — Engr. Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam; Managing Director of FERMA — Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi;

Member (NARTO) — Yusuf Lawal Othman; Member (FMW) — Engr. Ibi Terna Manasseh; Member (FRSC) — ACM Shehu Mohammed; Member (Finance) — Babatunde Daramola-Oniru; Member (South-South) — Hon. Preye Oseke.

“Member (South-West) — Hon. Oye Ojobe; Member (South-East) — Dr. Kenneth Ugbala; Member (North-Central) — Sen. Timothy Adudu; Member (North-East) — Engr. Abubakar Bappa; Member (North-West) — Aminu Adamu Papa.

“President Tinubu expects the new appointees to achieve integrous and competent service delivery, given the central role that the institution will play in the sustainable health of growth-enabling infrastructure nationwide,” the statement reads.

The post Tinubu appoints new FERMA Board, Management appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while speaking with journalists after an audience with President Tinubu in his office.

The Minister, who further disclosed that the emergency repairs on the 260 roads nationwide will gulp about N217 billion, added that President Tinubu had approved more road construction works, including project upgrades.

According to the Minister, the President has also approved the resurfacing of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, construction of Lekki deep seaport road, re-construction of two collapsed bridges in Enugu and reconstruction of two locations on the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

Other roads approved for construction include the upgrading of the ongoing Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia road, dualization of the Lafia by-pass.

“I’ve always commended Mr President for his deep interest in reinstating most of our roads in the country. Everyday we get a lot of concerns from the public on the very deplorable situation of our roads, but there is no paper I brought in respect of that that Mr President has not approved.

“Just yesterday he approved over 260 road interventions across the 36 states and the FCT. You’ll recall that last week he approved a lot of emergency roads and bridges repairs; we have three bridges that collapsed on the Southwest roads, he approved for reconstruction immediately. We have the Shendam- Lafia that collapsed, we also have the approval for its repairs.

“We have about 17 points along the East-West Road that have been destroyed by flood, Mr President has approved and released money for the immediate repairs. Of course the Third Mainland Bridge’s resurfacing and repairs of some noticeable deflections, which have to be done under the deck on top of the water with equipment, he has also approved that.

“Two bridges that collapsed in Enugu, approved by Mr President; the two locations on the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Mr President approved the reconstruction; Lokoja-Abuja Road, Mr President approved the reconstruction.

“This afternoon again, Mr President approved upgrading of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia Road, of course it’s ongoing, but it’s a PPP the Chinese and we’re paying 15%. Also the construction of the Lafia Bypass Dualisation from Makurdi, through Oturkpo, through Oboloafor, down to 9th Mile, it’s a major one, but Mr President has approved it. This is also being financed by the China EXIMBank, Lafia-Keffi Road is also financed by Chinese EXIMBank.

“Then the of 7th AXA Road, Lekki Deep Seaport (access), in Lagos. You know the Lagos State government is building the deep seaport, meaning that all the cargoes that cannot berth at the existing ports in Lagos can now come to that location and that’s where the Dangote Refinery is located.

“I saw thousands and thousands of well-established companies that are already installing their equipment there. It’s to be a huge free trade zone. So Mr President has approved that I should go ahead and sign MoU and that it should be programmed for priority in our business with the Chinese”, he said.

President Tinubu also approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), with the aim of speeding up the road maintenance nationwide.

“Let me also announced that Mr President approved the reconstitution of FERMA Board and this is very good for us, this is so that work can now get a bit more serious with FERMA in terms of very prompt maintenance of the roads” Uhahi disclosed.

When asked how soon Nigerians should expect to see mobilisation to site, Umahi said “said there’s a process; we’re doing the designs and procurement and selecting contractors to this. We’re calling some contractors that have existing projects within these locations.

“We’re getting selective renderings from the approval of BPP and these are the procedures. I’m sure with the onset of dry season from November, these works will get started and we’re going to put a lot of pressure on them for them to complete the works,” he said.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Umar Bakare led engineers from both sides to inspect the highway on Thursday.

Addressing newsmen during the tour, Bakare said the Federal Government was concerned about the plight of road users and was committed to speedy reconstruction of the road.

Bakare said contract for the reconstruction of the highway was undergoing procurement process under the Tax Credit Scheme of the Federal Government.

He said documentations were at advanced stage to mobilise the contractor to site, adding that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency was already fixing some bad portions of the road.

He said that the rehabilitation works would precede the award of contract for reconstruction of the distressed international route linking Nigeria with neighbouring Benin Republic.

Bakare added that apart from being an international route, the highway also links major industries, two private universities and factories, hence government’s resolve for rigid pavement on it to absorb its huge traffic.

“While the processing of the contract is on-going, there is a synergy between the Federal Ministry of Works and Ogun State Government to put this road in a motorable state,’’ he said.

He said a delegation of the Federal Ministry of Works visited the site last week to ascertain the level of work to be carried out.

He assured that consultations had reached an advanced stage on both rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road, assuring road users that government was concerned about their plight.

Speaking on behalf of the Ogun State Government, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Lateef Yusuf, said that the maintenance work would begin within two weeks.

“The Ogun State Government has started the process for palliative work that will start maybe in the next one to two weeks,’’ he said.

The post FG, Ogun State announce rehabilitation synergy on Ota-Idiroko Road appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Kurfi, who polled 141 votes, lost the election to Kabir Barkiya, former managing director of Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Barkiya polled 1466 votes to beat Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, younger brother to late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Ibrahim Idah, a former senator.

Yar’Adu and Idah polled 913 and 897 votes respectively.

Isha Adamu, the electoral committee chairman, who announced the results, said Barkiya met all the set conditions and consequently declared him winner.

“Today after voting for Katsina Central senatorial district to determine the candidate of the APC, the aspirants scored the following votes: Senator Ibrahim Umar Kurfi scored 141 votes,”Adamu said.

“Senator Ibrahim Idah scored 897 votes, while Abdulraziz Musa Yar’Adua scored 913 votes and Eng. Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya got 1,466 votes with 64 invalid votes.

“Having satisfied the conditions set by the guidelines for the conduct of this election by the APC National Working Committee. I have the honour to declare Eng. Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya as the senatorial candidate for Katsina central.”

Kurfi is the first senator to lose his re-election bid since the start of the party’s senatorial primaries.

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The late Mrs Lemo passed on at exactly 8:35pm on Wednesday, May 9 2018 at a ripe age of 85 years.

A devout Christian and a staunch community leader, Mrs Lemo is survived by successful children and grandchildren who have made their marks in various fields of endeavour.

The details of the celebration of her life will be communicated at a later date.

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