By Favour Nnabugwu

The Federal government has given the new management of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, a three-week ultimatum to come out with a blue print on road maintenance in the country.

The Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen gave the ultimatum to the newly reconstituted management team of the agency led by its Managing Director, Engr. Gabriel Amuch when they him a courtesy call in Abuja.

“FERMA has three weeks to submit its blue print on how it intends to maintain Federal road across the country,” the Minister said.

Onolememen also directed the new management to ensure that it achieves 95 percent road maintenance success in the country. “The new management of FERMA should endeavour to achieve 95 percent road maintenance success. This will enable Nigerians to appreciate President Goodluck Jonathan’s appointment of the new management and also boost confidence in the agency,” he said

He enjoined FERMA to work closely with his ministry to avoid competition and ensure that sustainable good and motorable roads are provided for Nigerian road users.

He stated that it had become imperative for the agency to make Federal roads motorable before the festive periods, reiterating that their appointment was an testament of the confidence reposed in them

Onolememen assured the agency that the Federal government will ensure that its funding challenges are ameliorated to the barest minimum.

“On the issue of funding, government is on the verge of approving the Fuel tax Regime and User Related Charges in order to give the agency a free hand on roads’ maintenance across the country,” he assured.

The new FERMA boss, Mr. Gabriel Amuchi, an engineer, assured that Minister that the new team would not betray the trust reposed on them.