States to receive $30m by meeting RAAMP project’s criteria – FG
The Federal Government has announced a landmark initiative aimed at transforming rural communities and bolstering Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape. In a recent address at the 8th RAAMP (Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project) Implementation Support Mission in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Aliyu Abdullahi, confirmed that states meeting specified participation criteria will receive a US$30 million allocation for the upcoming RAAMP scale-up. This initiative is set to benefit all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by funding the construction of 10,075 kilometers of rural roads, 1,040 meters of cross-drainage structures, and the upgrading of approximately 65 markets.
The RAAMP project is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it is a strategic move to improve market access for agricultural commodities, strengthen rural economies, and ultimately enhance food security. The Minister emphasized that, beyond providing better physical connectivity, the project is designed to facilitate broader socio-economic development by linking communities with essential services like education and healthcare. Development partners, including the French Development Agency (AFD) and the World Bank, have played a critical role in securing additional funding, with the World Bank even approving an extra US$500 million for the RAAMP scale-up. This funding reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to building climate-resilient infrastructure that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.
Key eligibility criteria for states include the establishment of relevant agencies by law, providing functional offices with duly appointed leadership, and committing seed and counterpart funds. With 2,743 kilometers of rural roads already awarded and underway, the RAAMP project stands as a testament to the government’s resolve to modernize the agricultural supply chain and create a robust marketplace for smallholder farmers.
Source: Vanguard
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
From an agribusiness perspective, the RAAMP scale-up is a pivotal development for stakeholders in Nigeria’s agri-food sector. Improved rural infrastructure directly enhances market access for farmers, reducing post-harvest losses and opening up avenues for higher value chains. The integration of climate-resilient construction practices is particularly noteworthy, as it minimizes disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions—a critical factor in ensuring consistent supply in the agricultural value chain.
By fostering better connectivity, the initiative supports a more efficient distribution network, which is essential for perishable agricultural commodities. Enhanced roads and upgraded marketplaces not only reduce transportation costs but also promote the timely delivery of products to urban centers, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers. Additionally, the creation of functional institutional frameworks (such as the required RARA and SRF Agencies) is a strategic move to ensure that the benefits of these investments are sustained over time.
Recommendations for Agri-Food Stakeholders
- Leverage Improved Market Access: Farmers and agribusinesses should capitalize on the improved infrastructure to explore new market opportunities and establish direct links with urban buyers, reducing dependency on intermediaries.
- Invest in Storage and Processing Facilities: With enhanced rural access, investing in mini-storage and local processing units can help reduce post-harvest losses and add value to raw agricultural products.
- Adopt Climate-Resilient Practices: Incorporate sustainable farming practices that align with the climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring that both production and distribution are less vulnerable to climate-induced disruptions.
- Engage in Policy Dialogues: Stakeholders should actively participate in policy discussions facilitated by the government to further streamline the support for smallholder farmers and create a conducive environment for agribusiness growth.
- Enhance Digital Connectivity: Complement physical infrastructure improvements with digital platforms for market information, financial services, and supply chain management to maximize the impact of RAAMP.
