By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has pledged to support Niger State in accelerating agricultural transformation and rural development through strategic investments in infrastructure and market access.
This position of the group was made by Mr. Ahmad Atik, Lead Global Transport Specialist of the Bank, during a joint assessment visit with the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) delegation to the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, in Minna.
Mr. Atik emphasized that Niger State is a vital partner in the Bank’s mission to promote resilience, inclusive growth, and food security in Nigeria.
He noted that IsDB is already driving interventions across the country in areas such as poverty reduction, climate change adaptation, humanitarian aid, infrastructure development, agriculture, and education.
According to him, the purpose of the visit was to explore practical ways of strengthening collaboration with Niger State, particularly in boosting rural infrastructure and enhancing agricultural productivity.
The National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Mohammed Bodinga, commended the State Government’s readiness for the project’s takeoff and outlined several priority interventions aimed at opening up rural communities, improving access to markets, and empowering farmers.
Responding, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, who represented Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, reiterated the administration’s determination to transform Niger State into Nigeria’s food basket.
He stressed that the government’s focus on rural roads, market infrastructure, and social amenities reflects its commitment to agricultural growth and rural prosperity.
However he expressed confidence that with partners like RAAMP and IsDB, the State will witness remarkable progress.
The visit by RAAMP and IsDB is expected to pave the way for new collaborative projects that will strengthen the State’s agricultural value chain and promote sustainable economic growth across rural communities.
