Abuja: The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening rural economies, improving market access, and advancing food security through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, emphasized these objectives during the 10th Joint World Bank and French Development Agency Implementation Support Mission of RAAMP held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sen. Abdullahi highlighted that the mission aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu, which focuses on food security and rural development. He stressed that agricultural productivity must be supported by efficient market access, with improved connectivity being crucial for transforming production into nationwide prosperity.
Abdullahi explained that Rural Access Road Agencies and State Road Funds play a vital role in ensuring rural infrastructure is delivered efficiently, managed sustainably, and financed properly for long-term impact. The project has completed about 1,500 kilometers of rural roads, with ongoing efforts to deliver an additional 2,500 kilometers by December. He noted that while states are at different implementation levels, there is overall progress in coordination, delivery momentum, and expanding infrastructure coverage.
The minister also stated that RAAMP has improved the movement of people and goods, enhanced market access, and strengthened connectivity to essential services across participating rural communities. Over 11.5 million rural Nigerians have benefited directly from improved access under RAAMP, which he described as a key achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The initiative aims to ensure rural communities are linked to opportunities, productivity, and inclusive economic growth nationwide.
World Bank Task Team Leader, Rakeesh Tripathi, mentioned that reforms and project quality are critical for the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of RAAMP interventions. With about 18 months remaining for project completion, he urged sustained commitment to achieving its development objectives.
National Coordinator of RAAMP, Aminu Mohammed, outlined the project’s goals, including improving rural access, reducing poverty, cutting post-harvest losses, and enhancing market connectivity. The project also aims to provide access to processing centers, hospitals, and social amenities, thereby improving overall rural livelihoods across participating states. Currently, 19 states are involved, targeting about 8.2 million people in rural communities nationwide.
Director of the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects, Mrs. Illuromi Adebola, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing technical and administrative support to ensure effective coordination and successful project delivery of RAAMP.