LATEST: Unions Condemn Akpabio’s FERMA Board Announcement As Executive Members

The joint labor unions within the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) have strongly criticized the statement made by Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, regarding certain members of the agency’s board, whom he referred to as executive board members…CONTINUE READING

In a letter addressed to Akpabio on Thursday, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) expressed their disapproval.

Akpabio had announced the formation of a new board for FERMA on Wednesday, but his reference to some members as executive board members, instead of the typical board members, raised concerns.

The jointly signed letter, bearing the signatures of Paul Onimisi, ASCSN Chairman, and Mr. Abdulmumin Idris, AUPCTRE Chairman, characterized Akpabio’s announcement as disheartening and demoralizing for FERMA staff.

The unions argued, “The appointment of certain members as executive board members, with the ultimate goal of assuming control over departmental operations, runs contrary to the FERMA Act and is detrimental to the career advancement of the agency’s employees.”

“This approach is not in the best interest of the agency’s ability to fulfill its mandate.”

“The appointment of specific individuals as executive board members goes against the provisions of Section 2(2) of the FERMA Act, as amended, and the career progression framework within government agencies.”

“It is counterproductive and undermines the morale of career officers, as the intention appears to be for executive board members to eventually replace career officers who are currently managing the departments.”

“We respectfully urge the distinguished Senate President to confirm the board member appointments in line with the Act that established the board.

Failing to do so may initiate a chain of events that disrupts the agency’s structure, derails its mandate, and demoralizes its employees.”