The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has a new chairman, Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam, a 24-year-old first-class graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Brighton University in the UK. However, his appointment has sparked a heated debate among Nigerians, as he has no work experience.
Some Nigerians have criticized the appointment, arguing that Imam is too young and inexperienced for such a high-profile position. They expressed worries that the appointment might set a dangerous precedent, where politicians could appoint their children to high-profile positions without considering their qualifications.
One Twitter user, @Haslawal87, expressed his skepticism: “Appointing a fresh graduate with no work experience to such a high position is ill-advised.” Another user, @kennyNuga, questioned the appointment’s worthiness: “This appointment is not worth it. A fresh graduate to oversee the entire FERMA board. Unworthy.”
In contrast, some Nigerians have defended the appointment, arguing that Imam’s academic qualifications and family background provide a strong foundation for his leadership role. They suggest that Imam’s father, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, a veteran politician with extensive experience in the public sector, may offer guidance.
A Twitter user, @fine_stefany1, expressed hope in Imam’s ability to learn on the job, giving him the benefit of the doubt. Another user, @adamsaleemm, viewed Imam’s appointment as a positive step, saying, “Good to see young and vibrant people occupy places of authority. Despite his inexperience, which raises ethical concerns, he could be the catalyst for the transformation we have longed for. May Allah grant him wisdom and strength to fulfill his duties.”
The appointment of Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam as the chairman of FERMA has clearly divided opinions among Nigerians. As he assumes his new role, how he will perform and whether he can address the concerns and skepticism due to his appointment remain to be seen.
FERMA is an agency that was set up to monitor and maintain all federal roads in Nigeria. According to its website, FERMA must ensure effective and efficient road maintenance, initiate policies to improve road conditions and enhance road safety measures.
However, FERMA has faced several challenges in fulfilling its mandate, such as inadequate funding, poor road design and construction standards, lack of coordination among stakeholders, and environmental factors. According to a report by BusinessDay, only about 35 percent of Nigeria’s federal road network is motorable. The country’s poor road infrastructure has contributed to increased accidents, longer travel times, rising vehicle maintenance costs, and a significant hindrance to economic activities.
The Road Sector Reform Bills aim to address these challenges by creating a Federal Roads Authority as an executing agency and a Roads Fund to provide a sustainable funding source for road maintenance. The National Assembly has passed the bills but has not been assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Nigeria Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), FERMA, and several other stakeholders have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of Nigerian roads. They have urged the current Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, to leverage his position and facilitation capabilities to push for the much-needed presidential assent of the Road Sector Reform Bills.
Nigerians hope that the new FERMA chairman will use his position to advocate for road sector reform and improve the quality of road infrastructure in the country.
Source: BusinessDay
