The Plateau government has released N2 billion as counterpart funds for the implementation of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in the state.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang disclosed this at the inauguration of the construction of three agro-logistic centres in the state on Monday in Jos.

The governor said the move aimed at boosting agro-business and rural infrastructure in the state.

Mr Mutfwang explained that the agro-logistic centres would be domiciled in Mangu, Shendam and Bassa local government areas.

“It took us quite a lot of financial engineering to be able to put these funds together; it is not easy to just release N2 billion with the current scarce resources.

“But because of the importance and impact of the project to our people, we took the hold step and released the funds.

“Let me say that this is a project that commenced in 2021, and by the time we came in in 2023, nothing had been done, and we started afresh,” he said.

The governor said his administration had enacted some laws and created some special agencies that would enable the smooth running of the project in the state.

He called on the chairs, traditional rulers and the people of the benefiting LGAs to take ownership of the project by ensuring that the contractors deliver quality jobs.

“We can not spend huge money and not get value for money; I will never agree to any contractor to cut corners,” he said.

The governor further assured the state’s people of his commitment to serving them with diligence and accountability.

In his remarks, Aminu Mohammad, the national coordinator of RAAMP, commended the Plateau government for its commitment to implementing the project in the state.

Mr Mohammed, represented by Salisu Abubakar, said the project is implemented in 19 states with the support of the World Bank and the Agence Française de Dévelopement (AFD).

He said the project, particularly the agro centres, would improve service delivery to farmers and agro-processors.

“RAAMP has come to stay, and we are expecting additional funding of over $575 million for another phase,” he said.

Daniel Temsen, RAAMP coordinator in the state, said the project had constructed 331-kilometre roads and 45 drainage systems across rural communities.

Mr Temsen thanked the governor for releasing the counterpart funds and called on the contractors to deliver the projects within specifications.

(NAN)