FERMA begs BPSR outstanding performance award

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has bagged a prestigious award from the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) for its remarkable performance in the recent Self-Assessment Test II conducted on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Director (Information/PR) Maryam M. Sanusi (Mrs.).
The award was presented recently by the Director General, BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, FICD, in line with the Strategy for Public Service Reforms which is aimed at utilizing self-assessment tools to check performance and enhance accountability within MDAs.
Dr. Arabi emphasized the thoroughness of the assessment, stating, “The report is a deep analysis of the activities of FERMA that anybody who has an interest can easily assess it, we have asked Ninety-Nine (99) questions about International Best Practices, Performance Management, Strategic Planning, Human Resources, Development Management, and procurement processes”.
Highlighting FERMA’s satisfactory overall performance, Dr. Arabi encouraged the Agency to capitalize on strengths and address weaknesses identified in the BPSR Self-Assessment II survey.
He commended FERMA for its excellent performance in its procurement processes while expressing BPSR’s readiness to collaborate with FERMA to fulfil its mandate effectively.
The Managing Director/CEO, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, in his response, expressed the Agency’s commitment to leveraging the assessment report to amplify strengths and address weaknesses. Agbasi outlined strategic steps taken by FERMA to diversify funding sources, enhance operational efficiency, and maximize the road network in Nigeria.
Agbasi acknowledged that the current road funding is ineffective. He, however, outlined the proactive steps the Agency has taken to explore alternative funding sources, including partnerships with local and international bodies, state-owned enterprises, and initiatives to maximise plant and machinery to generate funds. Additionally, efforts are underway to Generate Revenue Internally through International Vehicle Transit Charge (IVTC), securing grants, and implementing Public-Private Partnerships with concessionaires.
He emphasised FERMA’s international collaborations, citing existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Africa Road Agency to benchmark and improve road quality while learning from Namibia’s exemplary road network.
In line with its vision to become a 21st-century Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA aims to identify necessary skill sets and enhance training capacity to ensure operational excellence and stakeholder satisfaction. He disclosed that the Agency regularly carries out stakeholder engagements to gather feedback and ensure road user satisfaction.
Dr. Abgasi disclosed that FERMA has an ongoing strategic plan aligned with the Agency’s mandate. He reiterated the Agency’s close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works to achieve shared goals. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing policies and programmes aimed at repositioning FERMA as a benchmark 21st Century Agency.