The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has engaged 50 youths in Borno to undertake preventive maintenance of federal highways to improve road safety, connectivity and infrastructure sustainability.

Jibrin Adamu, federal roads maintenance engineer, Borno field office, disclosed this at the inauguration of the agency’s Orientation Programme for Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR-II) on Saturday in Maiduguri.

Mr Adamu said the initiative, powered by FERMA’s Public Works Unit, was designed to promote routine maintenance while providing employment and practical skills to youths living along highway corridors.

He explained that the programme would focus on three major activities, including vegetation control, desilting of drainage channels and patching of minor potholes.

According to him, clearing overgrown vegetation would improve motorists’ visibility, while desilting blocked drainage channels would ensure proper water flow and prevent road deterioration.

He added that filling minor potholes would prevent them from developing into major road defects requiring costly rehabilitation.

Mr Adamu said the 50 beneficiaries had been engaged for one month and would receive stipends, adding that their participation would expose them to practical skills and equipment operation.

He urged the youths to demonstrate commitment, noting that their performance could determine opportunities for further engagement.

The engineer also called on host communities to protect public infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, road signs and kilometre posts.

He urged residents to report unauthorised road excavations by telecommunications and water utility companies, warning that such activities could accelerate road deterioration.

Abba Shuwa, chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), commended FERMA for the initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction.

Mr Shuwa said the union had previously undertaken similar activities to improve motorists’ visibility and safety.

Similarly, Aminu Mohammed, one of the beneficiaries, said the programme would empower participants and provide them with valuable work experience.

He said clearing roadside vegetation and filling potholes would improve visibility and reduce the risk of road accidents. 

(NAN)