FG Targets 4,000km Rural Roads by 2026 As RAAMP Secures $600M for Scale-Up 

FG Targets 4,000km Rural Roads by 2026 As RAAMP Secures $600M for Scale-Up

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has reiterated its commitment to deliver 4,000 kilometres of rural roads under the $575 million Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) by December 2026, following the approval of $600 million for the project’s scale-up phase.

Speaking at the opening of the 10th RAAMP Implementation Support Mission in Abuja recently, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, described RAAMP as a flagship intervention under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the project has evolved beyond road construction into a comprehensive reform programme aimed at institutionalising sustainable rural infrastructure management nationwide.

“Connectivity is food security, because without access to markets, production cannot translate into prosperity,” the Minister stated, stressing that RAAMP is central to improving agricultural productivity, market access, and rural livelihoods.

According to him, approximately 4,000 kilometres of rural roads have been awarded for construction, with about 1,500 kilometres already completed, directly benefiting over 11.5 million rural Nigerians through improved mobility, trade, and access to essential services.

On sustainability, he highlighted ongoing reforms including the establishment of Rural Access Roads Agencies and State Road Funds across participating states.

In a statement issued by RAAMP’s Development Communication Unit, the Minister noted that between 38 and 50 reform bills have been enacted by States to strengthen institutional frameworks for road asset management.

He also cited the deployment of community-based maintenance systems in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), covering 500 kilometres across selected states, to ensure long-term road sustainability.

The Minister announced increased confidence from development partners, including additional financing from the Islamic Development Bank and a €150 million commitment from the European Investment Bank, alongside continued World Bank support.

He confirmed that the Federal Government has secured $600 million for the RAAMP Scale-Up phase to expand rural road coverage nationwide and consolidate ongoing reforms.

Earlier, Director of the Project Coordination Unit at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Illuromi Adeola welcomed participants and commended the strong partnership with development agencies including the World Bank, AFD, Islamic Development Bank, and European Investment Bank.

She urged stakeholders to use the mission for constructive engagement and practical solutions to strengthen implementation outcomes.

At the meeting, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Mohammed Bodinga, presented implementation milestones, ongoing civil works, and reform achievements across participating states.

In his remarks, World Bank Task Team Lead, Mr. Rakesh Tripathi, noted that the project has about 18 months remaining and urged stakeholders to accelerate delivery.

“It has never happened before in Nigeria, but I want this project to fully disburse at least one year before its closing date,” Tripathi said, adding that civil works are currently about 40 percent complete, with expectations of full completion by December to enable transition into the scale-up phase.

AFD Project Manager, Sally Abdo Ibrahim, commended the progress under RAAMP, noting that the project has moved beyond initial implementation delays into a stronger and more stable delivery phase.

The 10th Implementation Support Mission continues with state-level presentations and technical deliberations focused on addressing implementation challenges, enhancing scalability, and ensuring long-term sustainability of rural infrastructure investments under RAAMP.