Kwara State Enhances Rural Roads for Economic Growth

The Kwara State government, under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, is implementing the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to improve rural road accessibility and stimulate economic growth. Since assuming office on May 29, 2019, Abdulrazaq has prioritized opening rural roads and constructing markets to enhance transport and economic viability for rural dwellers.

The project, supported by the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to alleviate poverty and improve social well-being in rural communities. As of today, Kwara State is one of 19 participating states in Nigeria, having contributed N6,150,235,000 as counterpart funding to access RAAMP funds.

The project includes the construction and rehabilitation of 209.77 km of rural roads, connecting 16 local government areas, and is expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and agro-processors. The initiative is set to officially commence on October 21, 2024, with a focus on enhancing food security and reducing rural-urban migration.