The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has launched Operation Safeguard Your Roads in Katsina State, a comprehensive road maintenance and youth empowerment initiative aimed at restoring nearly 50 kilometres of federal roads and improving safety across the state.

The programme was flagged off on Thursday along the Katsina–Dutsinma–Kankara Road in Kurfi Local Government Area, covering the stretch from Chainage 31+500 to Chainage 50+200.

Speaking at the event, Bashir Isma, FERMA Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in charge of the Katsina Field Office, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, combining infrastructure rehabilitation, youth engagement, and enhanced security.

He explained that the operation prioritises vegetation control through clearing trees and shrubs along road corridors, improving visibility and reducing accidents and criminal ambushes. Another key component is drainage management, which involves desilting clogged drains to allow stormwater to flow freely, prevent flooding, and protect the structural integrity of the roads.

“The road maintenance is being carried out from Chainage 31+500 to Chainage 50+200 on the Katsina–Dutsinma–Kankara Road, covering nearly 50 kilometres,” Isma said. He added that unemployed youths have been engaged for the work and are receiving stipends, ensuring that the programme also serves as a platform for youth empowerment.

In his goodwill message, Maxwell Lede, Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Katsina, described the initiative as timely and impactful. He emphasised that road safety and youth engagement remain critical to national security, pledging FRSC support in public enlightenment and motorist sensitisation. Lede also urged communities, traditional rulers, transport unions, and beneficiaries to take ownership of the project, noting that road safety is a shared responsibility.

Motorists who spoke to journalists, including Abbas Ali from Funtua and Samuila Sadiq from Kurfi, commended FERMA for the intervention, highlighting that it would significantly ease travel difficulties and improve the motoring experience.

Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Works and the National Union of Road Transport Workers also lauded the initiative, describing it as a much-needed intervention.

So far, at least 50 youths have been engaged under the scheme, which is expected to improve road safety, reduce insecurity along the routes, and enhance the overall transportation experience within Katsina State and beyond.

This operation marks a strategic step in FERMA’s commitment to sustainable road maintenance, youth development, and collaborative infrastructure management in Nigeria.