Musa Na-Allah, Sokoto
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) on Thursday launched a new initiative, Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR), in Sokoto State to improve road visibility, enhance commuter safety, and curb insecurity along federal highways.
Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Emeka Agbasi, represented by the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in Sokoto, Engr. Ali Abdu said the program is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to strengthen security operations, upgrade road infrastructure, and reduce exposure to banditry and other crimes.
The pilot phase will focus on a 53-kilometre stretch of the Sokoto–Goronyo–Sabon Birni road, considered vital for trade, mobility, and security in the state.
About 50 ad-hoc staff recruited from local communities will be engaged under a government youth employment scheme.
According to Agbasi, the scope of work will include bush clearing, road shoulder repairs, drainage desilting, pothole patching, and vegetation control, all measures aimed at boosting visibility, accessibility, and safety for road users.
Each worker will receive a N20,000 transport allowance and an additional N40,000 stipend for the month-long project.
Agbasi urged them to show commitment and patriotism, stressing that their work would directly support security agencies in safeguarding the highways.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Sidi Bujeje thanked the Federal Government and FERMA, pledging that the team would deliver diligently on the assignment.
Stakeholders in the transport sector welcomed the initiative.
The State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Muhammadu Dan Takatuku, described it as timely.
At the same time, the Chairman of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Bello Alkali, commended the engagement of local youths as a step toward reducing idleness and crime.
Similarly, the representative of the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto, Kasim Mai Gwandu, stated that the project would enhance collaboration between road agencies and security personnel in combating insecurity.
In his closing remarks, Abdu reaffirmed that Operation Safeguard the Road is a proactive step toward saving lives, empowering youths, and ensuring safer highways nationwide.
