Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has released N2 billion as counterpart funding for the construction of over 331 kilometers of rural roads across Plateau State under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
Speaking during the official flag-off at newly established Agrologistics Centres in Shendam, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Bassa (Jingiri), the Governor said the project will improve rural mobility, boost agricultural productivity, and connect isolated communities to markets.
He explained that although RAAMP began in 2021, real progress started under his administration in 2023. “We sourced the funds through financial discipline and a strong commitment to develop rural areas,” Mutfwang said.
Plateau State was recently ranked first nationwide in RAAMP implementation. The Governor attributed this to transparency and teamwork. He also announced plans to train 10,000 youths in agribusiness through a partnership with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
In addition to the roads, the project includes agrologistics hubs, storage markets, and new drainage systems. Mutfwang also cited the passage of laws establishing the State Revolving Fund and RAAMP Authority as key to sustaining these efforts.
He called on local leaders to monitor the projects to ensure quality and accountability. Contractors – Mesotho Group, Volkmal Limited, and Sunlink Nigeria Limited – were presented with symbolic “dud cheques” and instructed to begin work immediately, with a deadline set for 2026.
Tributes were paid to the late pioneer coordinator, Engr. Matawal, and the current coordinator, Engr. Daniel Temptsen, was praised for professionalism.
A representative of the RAAMP National Coordinator, Salisu Abubakar, revealed that an additional $575 million has been allocated for the next phase of the project nationwide. He emphasized the role of the agrologistics centres in reducing post-harvest losses and attracting private investment.
Temptsen confirmed that civil works have officially started on 331.01km of roads, with additional infrastructure like cross drainages being constructed.
Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
May 26, 2025
