The World Bank and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have intensified efforts under the $575 million Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to deliver 4,000 kilometres of rural roads across Nigeria, aimed at boosting agricultural value chains and rural economic growth.
Speaking at the 10th RAAMP Implementation Support Mission in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, said the project aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is designed to improve market access and reduce transport costs for rural communities.
He disclosed that 1,500 kilometres of roads have already been completed, while the remaining 2,500 kilometres are expected to be delivered by December 2026. He added that over 11.5 million Nigerians have benefited from improved access to markets and services.
Abdullahi said the programme has also driven reforms, including the creation of Rural Access Roads Agencies and State Road Funds, alongside 38 reform laws across participating states to strengthen governance and sustainability in road infrastructure delivery.
He noted that over 61,000 kilometres of rural roads have been digitised under the Nigeria Rural Transport Infrastructure Management System, improving transparency, monitoring, and asset management across states.
RAAMP Task Team Lead at the World Bank, Rakesh Tripathi, urged faster implementation, warning that with about 18 months left before project closure, disbursement and execution must be accelerated to maximise value.
AFD Project Manager, Sally Abdo Ibrahim, said the project has stabilised after initial delays and called for stronger financial discipline and quality assurance to ensure long-term impact.
The National Coordinator of RAAMP, Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, said the programme now spans 19 states, has surpassed its initial 8.2 million beneficiary target, and is currently reaching over 11 million Nigerians, with 39 agro-logistics centres also under construction.
