New FERMA Chair Is A 25-Year-Old Fresh Graduate

President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of the new Governing Board and Management team of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for a renewable term of four years. The most striking appointment was that of the Chairman of the FERMA Board, Engr. Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam, a remarkable 25-year-old first-class Mechanical Engineering graduate from Brighton University.

Born on the 27th of December, 1998, Engr. Imam had shown promise from a young age. He had pursued his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Brighton University, where he distinguished himself and graduated with first-class honors. His academic prowess continued as he pursued an MSc with honors at the same prestigious institution. Having completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in August 2022, he was now ready to step into a significant leadership role.

About FERMA

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in Nigeria is a government agency responsible for the maintenance and rehabilitation of federal roads in the country. The sensitivity of FERMA’s role lies in the importance of road infrastructure for economic development, transportation, and connectivity across Nigeria.

To handle this sensitivity with expertise and professionalism, FERMA adhere to the following principles:

1. Skilled Workforce: FERMA employ professionals with expertise in civil engineering, road maintenance, and project management. This ensures that road projects are executed with precision.
2. Regular Maintenance: FERMA implements regular road maintenance schedules to address wear and tear, preventing small issues from becoming major problems.
3. Quality Materials: Using high-quality materials and adhering to construction standards ensures road durability.
4. Accountability: FERMA maintains transparency and accountability in its operations. This includes proper budget allocation, expenditure tracking, and reporting.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with relevant stakeholders, such as local communities, road users, and other government agencies, is essential for effective road maintenance.
6. Technology and Innovation: Leveraging modern technology for road inspection, data collection, and project management can improve efficiency and effectiveness.
7. Emergency Response: FERMA has well-prepared disaster response plans to handle emergencies like floods, erosion, and other natural disasters.
8. Training and Capacity Building: Continuously training and building the capacity of its workforce to keep up with the latest industry practices is crucial.
9. Public Awareness: Informing the public about maintenance schedules, expected inconveniences, and safety measures is important to minimize disruption.

By adhering to these principles and implementing them with professionalism and expertise, FERMA manages and maintains federal roads in Nigeria, promoting economic growth and improved transportation infrastructure.

Relevant Laws That Guide FERMA

FERMA in Nigeria operates under the guidance of various laws and regulations. Some of the relevant laws that govern FERMA include:

1. FERMA Act 2002: The primary legislation that established FERMA and outlines its functions, powers, and responsibilities.
2. National Roads Fund (Establishment, etc.) Act 2007: This act provides for the establishment of the National Roads Fund, which is a key source of funding for FERMA’s road maintenance activities.
3. Appropriation Act: FERMA’s budget and funding allocations are determined through the annual Appropriation Act passed by the National Assembly.
4. Procurement Act: FERMA is subject to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, which governs the procurement of goods, works, and services by government agencies.
5. Nigerian Highway Manual: This manual provides technical guidelines and standards for the construction and maintenance of federal roads, and FERMA is expected to adhere to these guidelines.
6. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act: FERMA must comply with the requirements of the EIA Act when implementing road maintenance or construction projects that may have environmental implications.
7. Other Relevant Laws: Depending on specific aspects of its operations, FERMA may need to adhere to additional laws and regulations, such as labor laws, safety regulations, and more.