Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the release of N2 billion to kickstart the construction of rural roads aimed at transforming the state’s infrastructure landscape.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for civil works on three Agro-Logistics Centres under the World Bank-backed Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, held at the Rayfield Government House in Jos, the governor said the funds represent the state’s counterpart contribution to the project.
According to Mutfwang, RAAMP, which initially took off in 2021, had stalled until his administration revived it upon assuming office in 2023.
“The funds will facilitate the construction of 335 kilometres of rural roads across various local government areas, as well as 45 metres of cross-drainages,” Mutfwang stated.
He underscored the significance of the project in unlocking the state’s vast agricultural potential and enhancing the rural economy.
He also called on traditional leaders and local government chairmen to closely monitor project implementation, warning against shoddy execution.
“As I launch the three agro-logistics centres in Shendam, Mangu and Bassa, specifically Jengre, I want to stress that this project commenced in 2021. By 2023, no progress had been made. We thank God for the person who took over from the first project coordinator,” the governor said.
He disclosed that despite pressures from political interests, he prioritized merit in project leadership.
“People approached me with letters from politicians seeking appointment as project coordinators, but I insisted on retaining competent personnel. It’s not about political patronage. All those appointed were under the previous Lalong administration, and I am pleased we have been able to pay the counterpart funding of N2 billion.”
Mutfwang revealed the financial hurdles his administration faced in raising the counterpart funds, describing the process as complex.
“It is not easy to release N2 billion from scarce resources. We also signed two bills passed by the state House of Assembly: the State Revolving Fund for road projects and the Rural Access Road Agency. We have appointed leaders for these institutions to ensure their effective operation,” he said.
He urged young people across the state to tap into opportunities in agriculture, a sector he described as central to Plateau’s economic future.
“Last week, we signed an MOU with the Institute of Tropical Agriculture to develop at least 10,000 farmers in agribusiness over the next five years. We want youths to return to agriculture, which is the economy of the future. Even billionaires are investing in farming, so let’s start now. We will recruit and train people annually to build their capacity in agribusiness,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, representatives of the National and State Coordinators of RAAMP, Salisu Abubakar and Daniel Tansin, thanked the governor for his steadfast support.
“The project is here to stay, with an additional funding of approximately 575 million dollars,” Abubakar stated.
