Prince Chris Azor
There is an urgent need for the Anambra State Government to immediately reconstitute and fully reactivate the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, RAAMP, structure and office in the state.
Anambra has already made important progress under the programme, but sustaining that progress is necessary if the state must continue to benefit from the enormous economic and agricultural opportunities that RAAMP provides across Nigeria.
RAAMP is a Federal Government and development partner supported initiative focused on improving rural roads, strengthening agricultural marketing systems and connecting farming communities to economic opportunities. Across participating states, the programme has helped reduce post harvest losses, improve movement of farm produce, expand rural commerce, create jobs and reduce rural poverty.
The benefits are practical and visible. When rural roads improve, farmers earn more, transportation costs reduce, businesses grow faster and communities gain better access to markets, healthcare and education. Rural economies also become stronger enough to productively engage young people and reduce unemployment pressures.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo deserves commendation for recognizing the importance of rural infrastructure in building a livable and prosperous Anambra and for embracing programmes that support inclusive development.
Institutional commitment
The recent actions of the Anambra State House of Assembly in passing the Anambra State Rural Access Roads Authority Law and the Anambra State Roads Fund Law also demonstrate growing institutional commitment toward sustainable road development and maintenance in the State.
These laws are significant because they provide both the legal and financial framework needed to sustain rural road infrastructure beyond political cycles and changing administrations. They also position Anambra for stronger participation in RAAMP and related development opportunities.
What is needed now is immediate implementation. The RAAMP office and operational structures in Anambra should be reconstituted without delay to avoid losing momentum while other states continue to deepen their engagement with the programme.
States that sustained active participation and institutional coordination under RAAMP are already attracting expanded rural connectivity projects and wider economic opportunities. Anambra should not fall behind.
Many farming Communities across the State still struggle with poor feeder roads that make movement of goods difficult, especially during the rainy season. Farmers continue to lose income because produce cannot reach markets quickly and safely.
Transportation costs remain high and many young people are gradually abandoning agriculture because rural economies appear weak and disconnected from larger markets. RAAMP was designed to address exactly these challenges.
Job-creating capacity
The programme also has the capacity to create employment beyond road construction. It supports opportunities in agriculture, transportation, logistics, agro processing, maintenance services and rural enterprise development. At a time when economic pressure and unemployment continue to affect many families, this becomes even more important.
A stronger rural economy will also help reduce excessive migration to urban centres. When people can find opportunities within their communities, local economies become more stable, productive and secure.
The encouraging reality is that Anambra already possesses the entrepreneurial strength, agricultural potential and legal framework needed to succeed under RAAMP.
What is required now is urgency, coordination and sustained political commitment. Reconstituting the RAAMP office and fully reviving project activities should therefore become an immediate priority.
Anambra has started well. This is the time to consolidate the gains, move faster and ensure the state fully benefits from one of Nigeria’s most impactful rural development programmes.
Prince Chris Azor is a Citizen advocate, and President International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC)
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