Works minister Mike Onolememen says he sees about 750,000 jobs coming up in the road construction sector in two years as projects are being executed with savings made from fuel subsidy removal.
The minister said on Sunday in Abuja that road maintenance would be enhanced as the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) would be rejuvenated.
“For us in the works ministry, for every road construction project in this country, there is a job creation component associated with it, either as direct jobs or as indirect jobs.
“Beyond that, the road itself has a multiplier effect in turning around the economy of the various towns, villages and cities that the road traverses.
“For us in quantifiable terms, I do know that for all the projects we have put together, there is no doubt that through the road sector alone we should be able to create close to 750,000 jobs in two years,’’ Onolomemen said.
He said he was more confident about this in view of other programmes earlier put in place.
“Last year, we initiated the preventive maintenance programme in conjunction with FERMA which will guarantee the sustainable maintenance of federal highways across the country.’’
The minister said part of the strategies was to ensure the recruitment of able-bodied men and youths, particularly in the surrounding villages.
“We have been able to recruit and train as at last December 1,500 youths across the country. We have been able to do this around the Abuja-Kaduna highway and the Sagamu expressway.
“The exercise is on-going, and we will be commissioning 15 additional road patchers across the country, and people along the routes will be involved.
“This will help to provide associated labour required to carry out the job.’’