The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced routine and preventive maintenance works along the Zuba-Abaji-Kogi State border road in the Federal Capital Territory.

The maintenance exercise, which covers the stretch between Chainage (CH) 46+000 and CH 88+000, commenced on Monday, August 10, 2026, as part of FERMA’s nationwide road maintenance programme.

The programme was approved by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FERMA, Engr. (Dr.) Chukwuemeka Agbasi, FNSE, FNIHTE, FNICE.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer (FRME) for the FCT, Engr. Martin Chidozie Eze, charged the 50 participants engaged for the exercise to put in their best towards achieving the objectives of the programme.

Eze urged the participants to demonstrate commitment, professionalism and dedication throughout the one-month maintenance exercise.

At the end of the flag-off ceremony, working tools, safety kits and reflective jackets were distributed to all the participants to facilitate effective and safe execution of the maintenance works.

According to FERMA, the routine maintenance programme is aimed at enhancing corporate social responsibility, creating employment opportunities for locals and improving visibility along Nigerian highways.

Eze said that the he programme is also expected to contribute to reducing insecurity and road accidents on the affected Federal roads, while extending the lifespan of the road infrastructure.

FERMA said the initiative would also help discourage youths from engaging in criminal activities by providing them with legitimate employment opportunities.

Another objective of the exercise is to minimise the negative impact of torrential rainfall on Federal roads through proper drainage and regular maintenance.

FERMA explained that the Zuba-Abaji-Kogi State border road was selected because of its strategic importance to the Nigerian economy.

The road serves as a major transportation corridor connecting Northern Nigeria with the southern part of the country and facilitates the movement of people, goods and services across different regions.

The Agency noted that the economic importance of the route makes regular maintenance necessary to ensure safe and efficient movement along the corridor.

The scope of the maintenance programme includes desilting of the carriageway and hydraulic structures.

It also covers vegetation control, evacuation of refuse and abandoned vehicles along the road corridors, provision of earth drains, as well as filling and repairing potholes on the carriageway.

The one-month maintenance exercise is expected to result in improved safety and visibility for motorists and other road users along the highway.

FERMA also expects the programme to strengthen collaboration and partnership between the Agency and communities along the road corridor.

The Agency further expressed confidence that the successful completion of the exercise would help uphold its integrity and reinforce its commitment to maintaining Federal road infrastructure across the country.