RAAMP, World Bank, AFD Reaffirm Commitment to Rural Infrastructure Development
Stakeholders emphasise accountability, quality delivery as project approaches December 2027 closing date
The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), in collaboration with the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD), has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating rural infrastructure development and maximising benefits for rural communities ahead of its December 2027 closing date.
The commitment was restated during the 11th Implementation Support Mission held in Lagos, on 2nd November 2026. The mission brought together representatives of the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), State Project Coordinators, State Project Implementation Units (SPIUs), the Federal Ministry of Finance and development partners to review progress as well as address implementation challenges.
Speaking at the meeting, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Mohammed, stressed the need for transparency, accountability and strategic decision-making to ensure ongoing projects are completed within the remaining timeframe.
He said the mission adopted a focused technical approach to enable participating states examine challenges in detail, share experiences and identify practical solutions to improve performance.
Mohammed urged state teams to strengthen contract management, provide accurate implementation updates and work closely with technical experts to address bottlenecks.
He noted that effective collaboration among federal and state units and development partners remains critical to sustaining the gains recorded under the project.
Earlier, the World Bank Task Team Leader, Nana Soetantri, underscored the importance of realistic planning and timely decision-making as the project nears its closing date.
She encouraged states to carry out realistic assessments of ongoing activities, strengthen execution and maintain transparent reporting. According to her, the remaining period offers an important opportunity to consolidate achievements and ensure effective utilisation of resources.
Soetantri also emphasised sound financial management and strict adherence to project procedures, noting that close collaboration between the FPMU, state teams and the World Bank is vital to achieving the project’s development objectives.
On her part, the AFD Project Manager, Sally Ibrahim, commended the achievements recorded under RAAMP and acknowledged the efforts of participating states and project teams.
She expressed confidence that the mission would help consolidate existing gains, address implementation challenges and accelerate progress across states.
Ibrahim added that the focused technical format would encourage peer learning among states facing similar challenges and promote practical solutions for improved delivery.
She urged state teams to sustain momentum, accelerate ongoing works and ensure that all infrastructure is completed to the required quality standards, while reiterating the need for continued collaboration among stakeholders to maximise benefits for rural communities.
The mission reaffirmed the collective resolve of RAAMP and its partners to improve rural connectivity, enhance access to agricultural markets and deliver sustainable infrastructure for economic growth, according to a statement issued by Vivian Amadi, Head of RAAMP’s Development Communications Unit
