Gov. Mutfwang Flags Off Construction of Agro-Logistics Centers in Shendam, Mangu LGAs
The Plateau State Government, in partnership with the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), has kicked off the construction of Agro-Logistics Centers in Shendam and Mangu Local Government Areas, aimed at enhancing market access for rural farmers and increasing agricultural productivity statewide.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, the State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to rural development and agricultural transformation:
“This is a very important project for us. Access to rural markets has become critical, and that’s why we keyed into this World Bank–supported program,” he said
In a statement issued by Mrs Vivian Amadi, Head, Development Communication Unit of the Project, the Governor noted that the centers will not only ease the movement of farm produce from rural areas but also enhance economic activities in Shendam, Mangu and the entire region.
He commended the state’s RAAMP team for their diligence and commitment and urged contractors to prioritize timely completion and value for money, emphasizing that prudent management of the loan-funded project is crucial for optimal returns.
“This project is not a dash; it is a loan that must yield value. We are opening up the rural economy, and it is our hope that these centers will stimulate vibrant economic activities in Shendam, Mangu, and across southern Plateau,” he said.
In a goodwill message, RAAMP National Coordinator, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, highlighted that the Launch signals a new era in rural agricultural transformation.
Represented by the Project’s Head of Agro-Logistics, Engr. Salisu Abubakar, he emphasized that the Centres in Shendam, Mangu, and Bassa will empower smallholder farmers, attract agribusiness, and link Plateau’s rich agricultural outputs to national and global markets
He applauded Plateau State Government for its pioneering role in establishing the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA), State Road Fund (SRF), provision of over ₦2 billion counterpart funding, making the State a top performer among all RAAMP participating states with over 330 kilometers of rural roads and 45 strategic drainage structures under development.
“I want to urge all stakeholders and beneficiaries to take ownership of these centers once they are completed. This is a heavy investment, and its sustainability depends on your collective sense of responsibility. Government properties must no longer be seen as ‘not mine.’ Only when you see this facility as your own can you truly protect and preserve it for the benefit of future generations and other local governments.”
Earlier, the Plateau State RAAMP Coordinator, Engr. Daniel Temtsen, praised the Governor’s innovative “financial engineering” approach, saying it has paved the way for crucial infrastructure development across the state.
“Mangu Local Government alone is benefiting from over 72 kilometers of
road construction, in addition to this logistics hub. This is one of three such centers being built in Plateau State, and we remain committed to ensuring their success,” he said.
The ceremony attracted a diverse gathering of government officials, traditional leaders, farmer cooperatives, contractors, and community members. Upon completion, the centers are expected to serve as key aggregation points for agricultural produce, enhance storage and post-harvest handling, and significantly improve market access for local farmers.
RAAMP is a joint initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the World Bank, and the French Development Agency (AFD), designed to improve rural access and facilitate agricultural marketing across participating states.
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