Bauchi Hosts 2026 RAAMP Retreat

Bauchi State has hosted the 2026 Annual Retreat of the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

The retreat brought together RAAMP staff, consultants, and key development partners to assess implementation progress, exchange lessons learned, and explore opportunities for scaling up rural infrastructure development across Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Bala Mohammed, the commissioner for Rural Development and Special Duties, Hon. Farouk Mustapha, welcomed participants to the state and expressed appreciation for Bauchi’s selection as host of the high-level gathering. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to rural transformation and inclusive development.

Hon. Mustapha highlighted significant milestones recorded by Bauchi State under RAAMP, including the construction and completion of 18 rural roads covering 356 kilometres, the development of 3 Agro-Logistic Centres at various stages, and the successful establishment of the Rural Road Access Authority (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF), both with functional leadership and office structures.

According to him, these achievements underscore the state’s strong political will to improve rural connectivity, enhance agricultural productivity, and uplift the livelihoods of rural communities.

A major innovation in Bauchi’s RAAMP implementation is the adoption of a systematised and sustainable road maintenance model, supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Bank. He disclosed that the 2026 Annual Routine Maintenance Plan (ARMP) is already underway, with work commenced on 137 kilometres of routine maintenance and 57 kilometres of spot improvements.

The commissioner noted that the maintenance approach not only ensures the sustainability of rural roads but also creates employment opportunities, empowers local communities, and promotes community ownership of public infrastructure.

Bauch’s consistent performance has earned commendation from the FPMU and development partners, resulting in its inclusion in the RAAMP Scale-Up (RAAMP-SU). The state has already prioritised 300 kilometres of rural roads for detailed engineering designs and is poised to collaborate with additional financiers, including the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Hon. Mustapha urged participants at the retreat to openly document challenges, share best practices, and strengthen partnerships that will translate into tangible benefits for rural populations. He also invited guests to experience Bauchi’s renowned hospitality and tourist attractions, such as the Yankari Game Reserve and the Tomb of Nigeria’s First Prime Minister.