The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar said that the Ministry through its Department of Rural Development has constructed a total of 1.764.63km rural roads across the nation. He stated that the provisions of these infrastructure would promote agricultural productivity, enhance movement of agricultural products and boost socio economic development in the rural communities.
The Minister made this known while commissioning the 4 km Ung Wabai-Un Doka-Day Secondary School Asphaltic road in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State over the weekend.
He disclosed that ” other infrastructure provided include: 1,375 nos. solar powered/motorized, boreholes, 56 nos Mini Water Treatment Plants and 23,456 units (1.407Mw) of solarlights/inverters, 19 nos rural markets and 1 no earth dam in the State “
He pointed out that “these provisions are expected to play crucial roles in promoting economic and cultural development, improve road connectivity and accelerate the process of development, encourage efficient transit of essential goods and services amongst others.”
Abubakar informed that, “the project was part of President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration drive of promoting good and accessible road network for smallholder farmers to enhance socio economic development in rural communities in Nigeria”.
According to the minister, “road is one of the greatest fundamental infrastructure of mankind. Its beginnings are almost helpful with man’s first quest in search of food, water, plunder or sheer adventure”.
“it is therefore critical to develop roads infrastructure that can enhance connectivity among communities. These roads infrastructure promotes rural communities integration, which is necessary for the country to fully exploit its potentials”.
He further stated that accessible roads would encourage increase in production of perishable agricultural produce, such as eggs, fruits, vegetables, milk and other dairy product.
He urged the benefiting communities to reciprocate this gesture of government by providing security and proper post-construction management of the projects.
In his welcome address, the Director, Rural Development Department in the Ministry, Engr. Daniel Udo said that rural access roads is very significant as it plays crucial roles in promoting economic growth as well as ensuring the availability of Agricultural produce in far-off market centres or urban markets in fresh and good conditions.
In his remarks the vice Chairman of Makarfi Local Government Area, Alhaji Bello Sani, appreciated the Federal Government for the construction of the road project and said it would enable farmers in the community to transport their farm produce to the local markets easily.
Obe Mbosire Mabel
Senior Information Officer
For Director, Information (FMARD)
21/11/21
