Nigeria’s Benue Agric Project secures €25M to upgrade 500km road
Nigeria
The Benue State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in Nigeria is on the cusp of a significant infrastructural breakthrough with plans to construct over 500 kilometers of rural roads across the state.
Backed by a €25 million funding intervention from the European Investment Bank, the initiative is poised to dramatically enhance rural connectivity and agricultural commodity storage, marking a critical step in catalyzing socio-economic development in Benue.
Stephen Numbeve, the State Coordinator of RAAMP, announced the completion of all necessary documentation, signaling imminent fund disbursement and the forthcoming commencement of construction.
This ambitious project entails building 53 earthwork roads strategically distributed across the state, alongside two agricultural warehouses in each senatorial zone aimed at facilitating efficient primary storage of farm produce.
The groundwork for this intervention dates back to December 2023, when Numbeve prioritized securing international financing—a fundamental challenge for the project’s progress. His efforts culminated in a multi-state agreement where Benue shares the €150 million federal allocation among six states including Edo, Anambra, Cross River, Taraba, and Borno.
Key to the project’s readiness are the extensive engineering designs already completed for 300 kilometers of road, with an additional 200 kilometers contract signed and contractor mobilization underway. This phased approach ensures swift transition from planning to execution as soon as funds are available.
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s proactive governance has been instrumental in creating an enabling environment for RAAMP’s successes, from prompt clearance of salary arrears for agency staff to facilitating impactful partnerships. This alignment of state leadership and international financial support underscores a robust development partnership model.
Beyond infrastructure, the project symbolizes a deeper commitment to rural revitalization. Improved roads will ease farmer access to markets, reduce post-harvest losses, and spur economic activity, fostering inclusive growth in Benue’s rural communities.
As Benue stands ready to break ground on this transformative initiative, stakeholders and citizens alike anticipate a future where rural accessibility and agricultural productivity are significantly enhanced, paving the way for sustainable development and improved livelihoods in the state.
This €25 million rural road and market infrastructure investment heralds a promising new chapter in Benue’s development journey, backed by collaboration, strategic planning, and visionary leadership. The countdown to turning blueprints into tangible development milestones has begun.
