Senate confirms Musa Babayo as FERMA board chair

The senate has confirmed Musa Babayo as chairman of the board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

The confirmation followed the consideration of a report by the senate committee on FERMA during Tuesday’s plenary.

Presenting the report, Sahabi Yau, chairman of the committee and senator representing Zamfara north, said the nomination complied with section 147(2) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), which empowers the president to appoint the chairman and members of the board, subject to senate confirmation.

Yau said the committee did not receive any petition against Babayo and confirmed that he was cleared by the Department of State Services (DSS) and police.

He added that Babayo presented his code of conduct declaration and possessed the academic qualifications and wide-ranging experience required for the role.

“The committee has carefully and thoroughly screened the nominee and is satisfied with his qualification, exposure, conduct, character, experience, and general performance,” Yau said.

“The nominee has displayed wide and in-depth knowledge on financial management, research, and structure.”

Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, described Babayo as “an outstanding person with an outstanding public service pedigree”.

“We commend Mr President for nominating him. He has done well by picking this gentleman,” Barau said.

Lawmakers supported Babayo’s appointment when Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, put the question his confirmation to a voice vote.

“I congratulate Dr Musa Babayo that he has been found fit for the position of chairman of FERMA. We wish him luck,” Akpabio said.