By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.
A joint team of the World Bank and the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) has emphasized the need for effective stakeholder engagement and a robust grievance redress mechanism in the implementation of projects under the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (AKS-RAAMP).
The team gave the commendation during a three-day working visit to Akwa Ibom State recently, where it assessed ongoing projects and interacted with contractors, community members, and beneficiaries.
The delegation, led by the World Bank Task Team Leader (TTL) and Senior Transport Specialist, Nana Soetantri, and the FPMU National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Mohammed, also expressed concern over delays in the completion of some project components, describing the slow pace of work by contractors as unsatisfactory.
They urged contractors handling various projects under AKS-RAAMP to intensify efforts and meet agreed timelines, warning that failure to improve could lead to contract determination.
At the Ekponwa Market Agro-Logistics Centre in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, the team expressed disappointment over the slow pace of construction, noting that there had been little visible progress since their previous inspection of the facility during the commissioning of the 11-kilometre Owotuta–Nung Oku Ekere–Afaha Udo Eyop–Edeobom–Utuat Market Junction demonstration road earlier in May.
Engr. Aminu Mohammed said the project would be closely monitored within the agreed timeframe, adding that failure to record significant progress could compel AKS-RAAMP to commence the contract determination process.
“If there is no considerable difference within the next three weeks to one month as agreed, we will prompt AKS-RAAMP to initiate a determination process for this job,” he stated.
He explained that the need to complete ongoing projects had become more urgent ahead of the commencement of the RAAMP Scale-Up programme, where Akwa Ibom remains among the leading qualified states expected to benefit from additional interventions.
Despite concerns over delays, the team applauded AKS-RAAMP for its commitment to social safeguards, particularly the establishment of Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) and the engagement of diverse stakeholders within project communities.
The World Bank and FPMU officials noted that the involvement of market operators, community leaders, and other relevant groups had helped in addressing concerns arising from project activities and ensured compliance with the Bank’s environmental and social safeguard standards.
They were particularly impressed with the provision of a temporary site for traders at the Ekponwa Market Agro-Logistics Centre, allowing business activities to continue while construction work progresses.
The visit featured engagements with market operators and community members, inspection of the temporary market facility, and assessment of other ongoing AKS-RAAMP projects across the state.
Members of the World Bank team included Alphonse Soh, Co-Task Team Leader and Lead Transport Specialist; Olufunmilola Ayoola, Social Safeguards Specialist; Abdulmalik Ibrahim, Transport Specialist; and Ahmed Abdullahi, Environmental Specialist.
The FPMU delegation comprised Engr. Salisu Abubakar, Agro-logistics Officer; Engr. Irabor Emmanuel, Procurement Officer; Chinedu Olisah, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer; Waziri Ali, Social Safeguards Officer; Lawal Adeboyega, Environmental Safeguards Officer; and Tijani Aminu, Regional Advisor (North).
The AKS-RAAMP team, led by the State Project Coordinator and Director-General of the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA), Pastor Gideon Akpan, appreciated the World Bank/FPMU delegation for its transparency and constructive observations.
He reaffirmed its commitment to upholding accountability, complying with project guidelines, and addressing recommendations raised during the visit. Consultants and contractors also actively participated in the engagements, providing necessary clarifications and responses to issues highlighted by the visiting team.
