The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) yesterday  inaugurated ,’Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR)’ in Sokoto State to enhance security and the safety of commuters across the state.

Managing Director of FERMA, Emeka Agbasi, said the initiative was designed to improve visibility on federal roads and support security operations in the fight against banditry.

Agbasi, who was represented by the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in Sokoto, Malam Abdu Ali, explained that the pilot phase of the programme would cover 53 km along the Sokoto–Goronyo–Sabon Birni road.

He stated that the project, which would last for one month, had engaged 50 ad-hoc staff under the Federal Government’s job creation initiative.

“The programme will involve minor road repairs, bush clearance and drainage evacuation to ensure safety and visibility along the roads,” he said.

Agbasi further explained that each of the ad-hoc are staff would receive N20,000 for transportation and N40,000 as allowance, urging them to carry out their duties with commitment in order to achieve the objectives of the initiative.