Joint unions representing employees of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) have voiced their objections to the recent announcement by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, regarding certain members of the agency’s board.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical, and Recreational Services Employees conveyed their concerns in a letter addressed to Akpabio.
News About Nigeria reported that Akpabio had on Wednesday announced the constitution of a new board for FERMA, but referred to some of the members as executive board members, as opposed to the usual members of the board.
In their joint letter, signed by ASCSN Chairman, Paul Onimisi, and AUPCTRE Chairman, Abdulmumin Idris, the unions expressed their disappointment and disapproval of this reference.
The unions emphasised that the designation of certain members as ‘executive board members’ contradicts the FERMA Act and negatively impacts the career progression of agency employees.
They contend that such appointments are intended to enable these members to eventually take control of departments, which is inconsistent with the organisation’s established structure.
The letter highlighted the specific violation of Section 2(2) of the FERMA Act as amended and its adverse impact on career progression within government agencies.
The unions stressed that this move would be counterproductive and demoralising for career officers, as it implies a transition of power from career officers to executive board members.
The union leaders warned of potential disruption, the erosion of the agency’s mandate, and a loss of morale among workers should this approach be upheld.
They pointed out that this structure would essentially create a ‘board within a board’, directing FERMA in conflicting directions regarding its mission.
The unions call for an immediate reversal of this designation to prevent potential turmoil and maintain the agency’s operational integrity.
