The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is investing $600 million to enhance rural road access.
This initiative aims to rehabilitate 200,000 kilometers of roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
The project will help improve agricultural marketing and access to markets for rural farmers across Nigeria.
Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, announced the funding at a recent briefing.
Of the total $600 million, $500 million will come from the World Bank, with $100 million from the government.
Abdullahi emphasized the critical role of rural roads in boosting food production and ensuring market access for farmers.
The initiative is already operational in 19 states, with significant progress in creating sustainable rural infrastructure.
To ensure long-term road maintenance, participating states must establish rural access road authorities and state road funds.
Abdullahi revealed that 16 states have passed the necessary legislation to create these institutions for sustainability.
The minister highlighted that 80% of the country’s rural roads are currently impassable, hampering economic activities and food security.
Nigeria’s rural population, which depends on agriculture for livelihood, faces significant challenges due to poor road infrastructure.
This project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to promote food security, inclusivity, and poverty eradication in Nigeria.
Aminu Mohammed, National Coordinator of RAAMP, noted that the program would improve rural road networks and enhance agricultural marketing.
Abdullahi also emphasized the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the project’s success, which has seen significant achievements thus far.
With growing demand from other states, the initiative aims to include more regions to benefit from its success.
