Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has announced a $600 million expansion of the cand Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The initiative, which aims to improve rural road infrastructure, includes $500 million in funding from the World Bank and $100 million in counterpart contributions from federal and state governments. Abdullahi shared this during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday.
Nigeria currently has approximately 200,000 kilometers of rural roads, but only 40,000 kilometers are functional, leaving 87% in poor condition. The RAAMP expansion will escalate its reach from 19 states to all 36, marking a significant step toward nationwide rural development and agricultural enhancement. In its earlier phase, the World Bank had committed $280 million out of a $575 million project cost, but the new funding is set to scale up the project’s impact significantly.
Abdullahi emphasized that the project aims to enhance access to markets, boost agricultural productivity, and create economic opportunities for rural communities. The funds will be directed toward constructing and rehabilitating rural roads, building market infrastructure, and addressing critical mobility challenges that hinder rural economic growth. Millions of rural Nigerians are expected to benefit from this initiative, which is designed to reduce poverty and foster economic inclusivity.
The minister highlighted that the RAAMP initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritizes food security, job creation, poverty eradication, and economic growth. Abdullahi stated that the project will develop agricultural clusters and new development corridors, promoting both food production and agro-industrial raw materials. “This effort institutionalizes the concept of rural road development as a key driver of economic diversification and community upliftment,” he added.
Abdullahi also addressed the issue of youth migration, citing the lack of rural economic activities as a major driver of unemployment in urban centers. “When rural areas are deprived of infrastructure and opportunities, the youth are forced to migrate to cities in search of livelihoods,” he said. The improved road network is expected to reverse this trend by fostering economic activities in rural regions.
The project’s success has already garnered interest from states nationwide, with many seeking to be included in the program. Abdullahi noted that sustainability will be a key focus moving forward, ensuring the long-term impact of RAAMP in transforming Nigeria’s rural landscape. This collaborative effort underscores the critical role of rural infrastructure in achieving economic growth and national development.
