The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the World Bank and other development partners, has intensified efforts to scale up the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project through the launch of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project Scale-Up (RAAMP SU). This new phase aims to deepen rural infrastructure development, enhance agricultural market access, and strengthen state-level institutional reforms across the country.
Speaking during the One-Day Stakeholders’ Workshop on Assessing and Advancing State Preparedness for the Scale-Up Project, the National Coordinator of RAAMP Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed highlighted that the initiative marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest to improve rural access and empower smallholder farmers. He recalled that the project’s journey began in 2005–2006 with the pilot Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) in Kaduna and Cross River States, later joined by Imo and other states. The success of the initial phases led to the evolution of RAAMP, which is now active in 20 states nationwide.
Buoyed by these impressive results and heightened interest from additional states, Nigeria secured $600 million in additional financing from the World Bank even before the completion of the current RAAMP phase. The Coordinator praised the leadership of the World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Rakesh, describing him as “a champion whose support has brought critical rural infrastructure closer to millions of underserved Nigerians.”
He emphasized the central role of rural roads in connecting farmers to markets, processing centers, and economic hubs. He assured stakeholders that ongoing RAAMP activities would be completed before the rollout of RAAMP SU — a national project open to all 36 states and the FCT. Participation will be determined through a competitive process guided by strict State Selection Criteria.
“RAAMP SU is not just about constructing roads — it is about sector reform, sustainability, and ensuring that rural infrastructure investments endure,” he stated. He underscored the importance of developing maintenance systems to prevent the recurrent deterioration of rural roads.
Nigeria currently has an active investment portfolio of $575 million under RAAMP, with an additional $600 million secured for RAAMP SU.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to strengthen state-level preparedness for the scale-up phase, the Lagos State Government hosted the Workshop on Assessing and Advancing State Preparedness for RAAMP SU. The event, held in Lagos, reaffirmed the State’s commitment to rural connectivity, agricultural value chain development, and food system resilience.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, reiterated Lagos’ readiness for RAAMP implementation. He described Lagos as “a reflection of Nigeria’s diversity and the heartbeat of innovation,” stressing that the state’s agricultural priorities align strongly with RAAMP’s objectives.
According to him, Lagos is making significant investments through the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub at Ketu Ereyun — set to become the largest food hub in sub-Saharan Africa — as well as a Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hub aimed at ensuring food availability, affordability, and improved logistics.
“We are thirsty and hungry for RAAMP in Lagos State,” he said. “Sustainable rural access is essential to our food systems agenda, and the RAAMP SU framework aligns with our vision for agricultural growth and market integration.”
He added that the Lagos workshop provides a platform for states to reflect on progress, strengthen coordination, and deepen institutional readiness for the upcoming project phase.
The event convened representatives from the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), State Project Implementation Units (SPIUs), development partners, and sector stakeholders to review preparedness and foster collaboration for the scale-up.
Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary urged participants to engage actively and ensure that RAAMP SU delivers transformative improvements in rural livelihoods, agricultural productivity, and economic opportunities nationwide.
Development communication Unit