Labour unions slam Akpabio for appointing FERMA board as executive board members

The joint unions of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, have expressed their displeasure over the announcement by Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, that some members of the agency’s board are executive board members.

The letter, which was sent to Akpabio on Thursday, was signed by the leaders of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).

The unions said that Akpabio’s announcement on Wednesday was against the FERMA Act and the career progression of the agency’s staff.

They said that the appointment of some members as executive board members would mean that they would take over the functions of the departments, which are currently run by career officers.

They argued that this would disrupt the structure of the agency, derail its mandate and demoralise the workers.

They urged Akpabio to respect the FERMA Act and confirm the appointment of the board members without the executive tag.

They said that this was the only way to ensure the smooth running of the agency and the achievement of its goals.