How to end rural-urban migration – RAAMP coordinator

The Kwara State coordinator of the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Isaac Kolo, has advised on the shortest and surest ways to end rural-urban migration in Nigeria.

He said that 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 rural dwellers.

Appearing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara State Council’s 47th Media Parliament yesterday, Kolo, who highlighted the gains of well-maintained roads, explained that the menace has been a persistent challenge in developing countries, leading to overcrowding, poverty, and strain on urban resources.

“Road infrastructure development can be a critical strategy for reducing rural-urban migration and promoting rural development,” he noted.

According to him, a good and accessible road network will improve rural dwellers’ livelihoods: By providing access to markets, roads enable farmers to sell their produce, increasing their incomes and improving their livelihoods.

“It will increase access to services as roads facilitate access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and financial services.

“It will reduce transportation costs: Good roads reduce transportation costs, making it cheaper for rural residents to access markets and services.

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“Enhance connectivity: Roads connect rural areas to urban and principal centres, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services,” he pointed out.

He, however, disclosed that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has, between 2019 and now, paid over N4 billion in counterpart funds for various projects embarked upon by the agency.

According to him, RAAMP is funded through contributions from the International Development Association (IDA), a subsidiary of the World Bank, the L’Agence Française de Développement (French Development Agency, AFD), and participating states through counterpart funding.

Kolo further stated that RAAMP, a six-year programme, was formally declared effective on March 16, 2021, and is co-financed by the World Bank to improve rural access and trading infrastructure in participating states.

According to the RAAMP boss, the agency, on Monday, October 24, 2024, flagged off the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of rural roads totalling 209.77 km to connect the 16 local governments, describing the feat as the fruit of huge investment, strategic planning, and commitment to rural-urban development and food security.

“It is a strong drive for rapid socioeconomic growth and sustainable job opportunities,” he noted.