The Kogi State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Kogi RAAMP) recorded another major milestone as development partners and stakeholders commended the state for its outstanding performance in rural infrastructure delivery at the 10th Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) Implementation Support Mission.
The week-long national mission, held at the NAF Conference Centre, brought together key stakeholders from participating states, development partners, and federal agencies to review implementation progress, strengthen project delivery frameworks, and consolidate gains in rural infrastructure development across the country.
Kogi State emerged as one of the standout performers during the mission, receiving widespread commendation for its pace, quality, innovation, and consistency in project implementation under RAAMP.
Declaring the mission open at the commencement of the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, reiterated that RAAMP remains strategically aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the initiative as a transformative intervention focused on sustainable rural infrastructure management, improved agricultural marketing systems, and enhanced food security nationwide.
The Minister disclosed that RAAMP has significantly expanded all-season farm-to-market access roads, strengthened market infrastructure, and generated employment opportunities for rural communities through road maintenance activities. According to him, contracts covering nearly 4,000 kilometres of rural roads have been awarded nationwide, with over 1,500 kilometres already completed, positively impacting more than 11.5 million rural Nigerians.
He further noted that participating states had collectively passed and secured assent to nearly 50 legislative bills institutionalizing rural road management frameworks to guarantee sustainability beyond the project lifecycle.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Illuromi Adebola, appreciated development partners, including the World Bank, French Development Agency, Islamic Development Bank, and European Investment Bank, for their sustained support toward successful nationwide project implementation.
A major highlight of the mission was the presentation by participating states including Kogi, led by the State Project Coordinator, Engr. Sheidu Obansa Adamu, whose comprehensive project update received commendation from participants, development partners, and stakeholders.
During the presentation, Engr. Sheidu first expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his unwavering commitment to rural transformation and infrastructural development across Kogi State. He particularly commended Governor Ododo for prioritizing RAAMP activities, ensuring the prompt release and payment of counterpart funds, and creating an enabling environment that has accelerated project implementation across beneficiary communities.
According to him, Governor Ododo’s visionary leadership, strong political will, and commitment to rural inclusion have significantly positioned Kogi among the leading performing states under RAAMP nationwide, while also improving access to markets, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for rural dwellers.
Engr. Sheidu further commended the Honourable Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Abdulmutalib Mohammed, for his strategic supervision, administrative support, and dedication to excellence, which have continued to drive efficient implementation and institutional coordination within the project.
The State Project Coordinator also paid glowing tribute to the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, for his exceptional leadership, tireless guidance, and unwavering commitment to the successful implementation of the project across participating states. He described the National Coordinator as a dependable pillar of support whose technical expertise, policy direction, consistent engagement, and commitment to transparency and accountability have continued to strengthen RAAMP’s institutional framework nationwide.
Engr. Sheidu noted that the National Coordinator’s proactive leadership and continuous support to Kogi State have contributed immensely to the steady progress and remarkable achievements recorded by the project in the state.
He also showcased Kogi State’s milestones in rural road construction and infrastructure delivery across beneficiary communities, emphasizing achievements in improved rural connectivity, enhanced agricultural access, and socio-economic inclusion.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) to delivering durable, quality, and sustainable infrastructure within approved timelines and in full compliance with project standards.
The Kogi delegation to the mission was led by the Honourable Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Abdulmutalib Mohammed, and included the Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the State Project Monitoring Committee (SPMC), Mr. Aiyekomogbon John; the State Project Implementation Unit led by Engr. Sheidu Obansa Adamu; the Head of PFMU, as well as the Directors-General of the Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA) and State Road Fund (SRF), among other senior government officials.
An emotional highlight of the mission was the special farewell ceremony held in honour of the outgoing World Bank Task Team Lead (TTL), Rakesh Tripathi, whose tenure was widely acknowledged for strengthening RAAMP implementation and institutional reforms across participating states.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the success and growth of RAAMP, the Honourable Minister presented Mr. Tripathi with a special award on behalf of stakeholders, describing him as a dependable development partner whose legacy will remain significant in Nigeria’s rural infrastructure transformation.
Signed:
Ndamodu Ali
DCO
(Kogi RAAMP)
