Federal Agency Hires 50 Youths for Road Maintenance in Sokoto State

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has hired 50 young people from the Yabo and Sanyinna communities in Sokoto State to help maintain federal roads. This initiative is part of their Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR-II) program, which aims to enhance road safety and conditions for drivers.

The program was launched on Wednesday along the Jaredi-Kebbi border road. FERMA’s Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in Sokoto, Jamilu Sidi, stated that the goal is to improve road safety while creating job opportunities for local youths. The young workers will engage in a month-long project that includes clearing roadside vegetation and performing other maintenance tasks.

Sidi emphasized the importance of involving local youths in road safety efforts. He mentioned that the participants are expected to work diligently to ensure safer travel for motorists. He also assured them that FERMA would provide proper supervision throughout the program.

This initiative follows a previous phase of the program that took place in 2025 along the Sokoto-Niger Republic border road. Malam Kasim Maigwandu, a Federal Consultant on Works, highlighted the importance of this intervention in reducing road accidents and improving safety on federal highways.

The District Head of Sanyinna, Alhaji Muhammad Sani, expressed appreciation for FERMA’s involvement of local community members in the road maintenance efforts. He noted that the program would not only enhance safety but also create economic opportunities for the participating youths.