The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, has earmarked $600 million to rehabilitate 200,000 kilometers of rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The World Bank will provide $500 million, while the federal and state governments will contribute $100 million in counterpart funding. This initiative, already operational in 19 states, aims to establish sustainable rural infrastructure, improve road maintenance, and enhance agricultural marketing.
Speaking in Abuja, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, highlighted the project’s critical role in addressing the 80% of rural roads that are currently impassable. He noted that most of Nigeria’s population lives in rural areas, where agriculture drives over 70% of economic activities. Poor road conditions hinder farmers’ ability to market produce and sustain their livelihoods, negatively impacting food security and economic growth. The RAAMP aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda of fostering food security, inclusivity, and eradication of poverty.
The initiative has already seen significant progress, with 16 participating states passing legislation to establish rural road authorities and funds to ensure maintenance. The National Coordinator of RAAMP, Aminu Mohammed, emphasized that the program seeks to bolster rural economies by improving road networks and facilitating agricultural trade. Abdullahi added that states nationwide are eager to join the project due to its success, while stakeholders are committed to embedding sustainability measures in the program’s future phases.
