Hon. Sadiq Abbas Tafida, Member of the House of Representatives representing Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing Federal Constituency, has issued a strong call to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently intervene in the worsening state of federal roads across Taraba State.
During an oversight visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Hon. Tafida expressed concern over the poor condition of major entry routes into Taraba, describing them as “virtually impassable” and in desperate need of rehabilitation. He stressed that immediate action by FERMA is necessary to ensure connectivity, safety, and economic activity in the region.
In a significant policy recommendation, the lawmaker urged FERMA to reclassify Taraba State under the North East zone, as opposed to its current placement under the North Central zone. He argued that such realignment would align better with geographical realities, boost project monitoring, and enhance implementation efficiency within the region.
Hon. Tafida also pointed out inconsistencies in FERMA’s regional structure, noting that Jigawa State geographically located in the North West is currently listed under the North East in the agency’s organogram. He called on FERMA to review and correct such discrepancies to ensure balanced representation and fairness in project distribution.
Reinforcing the importance of legislative oversight, Tafida highlighted the role of lawmakers in ensuring public agencies deliver on their mandates. He advocated for a shift toward preventive road maintenance, which he believes is more cost-effective and sustainable than reactive repairs.
To protect federal highways from rapid deterioration, he further recommended the installation of weigh bridges across the country to regulate axle loads. Citing Zambia as a successful example, he warned that without strict enforcement of vehicle weight limits, Nigeria will continue to waste public funds on recurring road repairs.