Rural development gains momentum as FG, world bank commit $600m to road rehabilitation

The Federal Government and the World Bank have committed $600 million to rehabilitate 200,000 kilometers of rural roads across the country under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

The initiative, which aims to boost agricultural productivity and improve market access for farmers, will see the World Bank contributing $500 million, while federal and state governments provide $100 million as counterpart funding.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, emphasized that the project directly addresses Nigeria’s rural infrastructure deficit. He revealed that 80 per cent of 200, 000 kilometres of rural roads are impassable, negatively affecting economic activities in rural areas,” a situation that severely hampers economic activities and farmer productivity.

“Most of Nigeria’s population resides in rural areas, and agriculture constitutes over 70 per cent of their economic activity. However, the lack of functional rural roads limits their ability to market their produce and sustain their livelihoods.

“This initiative aligns with the agenda of President Bola Tinubu, focusing on food security, inclusivity, poverty eradication, and job creation,” Abdullahi stated.

To ensure the project’s long-term impact, states participating in the initiative must establish rural access road authorities and state road funds for maintenance and sustainability. Of the 19 states currently benefiting from RAAMP, 16 have already passed legislation to formalize these institutions.

The RAAMP initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda of enhancing food security, poverty reduction, job creation, and rural inclusivity. Abdullahi noted that the success recorded so far has prompted other states to express interest in joining the program.

National Coordinator of RAAMP, Aminu Mohammed, described the project as a game-changer for rural communities, explaining that its primary focus is to enhance connectivity and agricultural marketing, ultimately transforming rural economies.

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