From Ahmad saka,Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has officially flagged off the construction of six major rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), marking a significant step toward improving rural infrastructure and strengthening agricultural productivity across the state.
The flagged off reflects the administration’s determination to enhance connectivity and support rural farmers who rely heavily on accessible roads to move their produce to markets.
Governor Bala explained that the roads were carefully selected based on their economic importance and the pressing needs of the benefiting communities.
He said that the RAAMP projects are designed to reduce transportation constraints, boost agricultural activities, and increase the income-generating capacity of rural households.
The governor said that improved access roads will reduce post-harvest losses and enhance trade between rural and urban markets.
The roads flagged off for construction include: 24km Lanzai–Papa Road, 14.45km Misau–Beti–Maladumba Road, 28km Gamawa–Sakwa Road, 14.75km Dargazu–Gambaki–Chinade–Gangai Road, 6.68km Yana–Faggo Road, and 6.6km Giade–Tagwaye Road.
Governor Bala assured that each road will be built to high-quality standards, with proper drainage and erosion control features to ensure durability.
He called on contractors to adhere strictly to specifications and deliver the projects within the stipulated timeframe.
Governor said the project aimed at opening up remote communities, improving transportation, and strengthening agricultural markets across the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality access roads to rural and hard-to-reach communities. He said the initiative reflects the state’s dedication to improving livelihoods, enhancing mobility, and building stronger social and economic ties across local communities.
The Governor assured that Bauchi State would continue to meet all counterpart funding obligations for the RAAMP programme, emphasizing that the project is anchored on the needs and demands of rural dwellers—especially farmers who rely on road networks to move their produce to markets.
He called on traditional leaders, community members, and other stakeholders to support the initiative, safeguard construction sites, and take ownership of the infrastructure upon completion for sustainability and long-term benefit.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, commended the Governor for his developmental strides, noting that the administration has significantly transformed many rural areas. He pledged the Assembly’s continued support for projects that improve the welfare of citizens.
Commissioner for Rural Development and Special Duties, Hon. Faruk Mustapha, described Bala Mohammed’s investment in rural road development as unprecedented in the history of the state. He disclosed that since the administration began, over 134 kilometres of strategic rural roads have been flagged off, many of which are at advanced stages of completion.
Also speaking, National Project Coordinator for RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, explained that the second phase of the initiative—covering 203 kilometres—will further enhance access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. He commended the state government for providing more than N6 billion in counterpart funding, assuring that RAAMP will continue to collaborate closely with the state to ensure timely and quality delivery.
Chairpersons of the benefiting local government areas also expressed appreciation to the Governor, noting that the projects, once completed, will ease movement, boost trade, and promote unity among communities.
Community leaders, farmers’ groups, and residents of the benefiting areas expressed profound gratitude to the governor for bringing the long-awaited development to their doorsteps.
They said that the improved roads will significantly ease the movement of goods and people, reduce transportation costs, and promote economic activities in their communities. Many described the flag-off as a transformative step that will open new opportunities for rural dwellers.
