The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency launched a special intervention, codenamed “Operation Safeguard the Roads”, on Tuesday, aimed at reducing road traffic crashes in Kogi State.
The programme was inaugurated by Mr Muktar Abdulrahim, the Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in the state, at Ochadamu, along the Itobe–Anyigba Road.
Abdulrahim explained that the initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency of federal roads for motorists while providing opportunities for youths along the road corridors.
“The programme is designed to discourage road vandalism and abuses, such as dumping refuse on drainages and road sides, unauthorised cutting of roads, and theft of critical facilities like bridge handrails and road signs,” he said.
“This initiative will also foster a sense of ownership of the roads by local communities, ensuring they are properly safeguarded,” Abdulrahim noted.
He further highlighted that the programme would include controlling vegetation along the roads to enhance visibility, reduce road crashes, and desilt lined drains and culverts to prevent flooding and lower maintenance costs.
“Minor repairs, including patching potholes and reinstating collapsed sections, will be carried out to enable free flow of traffic. We shall also conduct training on road maintenance operations for residents of communities along major roads,” he said.
Abdulrahim expressed gratitude to FERMA Managing Director, Dr Chukwu Emeka-Agbasi, for initiating the programme.
In brief remarks, Mr Awodun Daniel, FERMA’s Zonal Director, North-Central 1, emphasised that the programme would make the roads safer, particularly with the Yuletide season approaching.
The event was attended by the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, traditional rulers, and members of the public.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agency’s Managing Director formally inaugurated the programme along the Zuba–Giri–Abaji–Lokoja Road on September 27.
(NAN)
