From Okwe Obi, Abuja
To enhance food production and improve market access, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has allocated $600 million to rehabilitate 200,000 kilometres of rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, during a press briefing at the weekend, explained that the World Bank would disburse $500 million, while a $100 million counterpart funding would come from the federal and state governments.
Abdullahi stated that the RAAMP initiative, already operational in 19 states, focuses on creating sustainable rural infrastructure. According to him, the states are required to establish rural access road authorities and state road funds to ensure road maintenance and sustainability.
He further disclosed that 16 of the 19 participating states have already passed legislation to establish these institutions.
The minister noted that 80% of the 200,000 kilometres of rural roads are impassable, negatively affecting economic activities in rural areas.
He said: “Most of Nigeria’s population resides in rural areas, and agriculture constitutes over 70% of their economic activity. However, the lack of functional rural roads limits their ability to market their produce and sustain their livelihoods.
“This federal component will allow us to intervene in strategic areas of agricultural production that are not prioritised by states due to funding constraints.
“This initiative aligns with the agenda of President Bola Tinubu, focusing on food security, inclusivity, poverty eradication, and job creation.”
Also speaking, RAAMP National Coordinator Aminu Mohammed stated that the scale-up phase is expected to transform rural areas in Nigeria by establishing new economic corridors and promoting agro-industrial clusters.