The Project Coordinator of the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in Kwara State, Engr. Isaac Kolo, has identified improved rural road infrastructure as a major solution to Nigeria’s growing rural-urban migration.
Kolo said accessible roads would help address the difficulties confronting rural communities by improving transportation, connecting farmers to markets and making essential services more accessible.
He made the remarks on Monday during the 47th Media Parliament organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kwara State Council.
“The shortest surest way is a good and accessible road network that would ease the present hardship that has negatively impacted the lives of Nigerians, especially the rural dwellers.”
He explained that rural-urban migration remained a recurring problem in developing countries, contributing to overcrowding, poverty and increased pressure on resources in urban centres.
Kolo noted that sustained investment in road infrastructure could stimulate rural development and discourage residents from relocating to cities in search of better opportunities.
“Road infrastructure development can be a critical strategy for reducing rural-urban migration and promoting rural development,” he noted.
He outlined several benefits of functional rural roads, including improved livelihoods through easier access to markets, where farmers can sell their agricultural produce and earn better incomes.
He added that road networks would also improve access to healthcare, educational institutions and financial services while lowering transportation expenses for rural residents.
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According to him, better connectivity between rural communities, urban areas and major centres would also promote the movement of people, goods and services.
The RAAMP coordinator disclosed that the Kwara State Government, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, had contributed more than N4bn in counterpart funding to projects undertaken by the agency since 2019.
He explained that the programme receives financial support from the International Development Association, a subsidiary of the World Bank, and the L’Agence Francaise de Development (French Development Agency, AFD), alongside counterpart contributions from participating state governments.
Kolo said RAAMP, a six-year initiative, officially became effective on March 16, 2021, with the objective of improving rural access and trading infrastructure across participating states.
He also disclosed that the agency flagged off the construction, rehabilitation and upgrading of 209.77 kilometres of rural roads on Monday, October 24, 2024, covering routes connecting all 16 local government areas in Kwara State.
He described the project as the outcome of substantial investment, strategic planning and commitment to rural development and food security.
“It is a strong drive for rapid socioeconomic growth and sustainable job opportunities,” he noted.