05/08/2026
Kogi RAAMP Steering Committee Tightens Oversight, Assess Progress, Demands Higher Standards
The Kogi State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Kogi RAAMP) Steering Committee, in collaboration with the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), has concluded an extensive inspection of ongoing project intervention sites across the three senatorial districts of the state, reaffirming the government's commitment to delivering quality rural infrastructure that will transform livelihoods and stimulate agricultural development.
The inspection tour, which covered rural access roads, agro-logistics and market infrastructure as well as cross-drainage structures, was aimed at evaluating the level of project ex*****on, assessing compliance with approved engineering specifications, and Safeguards, identifying implementation challenges and strengthening the project's monitoring and quality assurance mechanisms.
Moving from one project location to another, members of the committee took time to interact with contractors, and project supervisors, enabling them to obtain firsthand information on the pace of work and the realities on the ground.
The exercise also provided an opportunity to determine whether ongoing projects remain on course for completion within the approved implementation timeline.
Although extensions had earlier been granted on some contracts owing to genuine implementation challenges, the Steering Committee maintained that such concessions must translate into accelerated project delivery and improved performance.
The inspection revealed varying levels of progress across the intervention sites.
While some contractors received commendation for maintaining quality standards and demonstrating appreciable commitment to timely delivery, others were urged to intensify efforts to meet contractual obligations. A few firms, however, came under serious scrutiny for falling below expected performance benchmarks, with the committee expressing dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work and avoidable delays.
Rather than adopting a fault-finding approach, the inspection created a platform for constructive engagement. Contractors were given the opportunity to explain operational constraints, clarify technical issues and present practical solutions to identified challenges.
The Steering Committee carefully considered the submissions and harmonised recommendations aimed at improving project implementation going forward.
Speaking during the exercise, members of the committee reiterated that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains unwavering in its determination to rewrite the development story of rural communities across Kogi State through strategic investments in road connectivity, agricultural markets and critical rural infrastructure.
They stressed that every contractor engaged under the project must justify the confidence reposed in them by adhering strictly to contractual specifications, maintaining quality standards and ensuring timely completion of all assigned works.
The inspection team comprised the Technical Assistant to the Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Alhaji Hussein Isah; the Director-General of the Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA), Engr. Muhammed Ohiekwu; the Director-General of the State Road Fund (SRF), Alhaji Yerima Suleiman; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural and Energy Development and Chairman of the State Project Monitoring Committee (SPMC), Mr. Paul Aiyekomogbon; the Director of Rural Services in the Ministry, Engr. Adavireku; and the Kogi RAAMP State Project Coordinator, Engr. Sheidu Obansa Adamu, who led members of the State Project Implementation Unit throughout the inspection.
At the end of the exercise, the committee disclosed that a comprehensive review meeting would be convened to deliberate on observations made during the inspection and adopt far-reaching decisions that will accelerate project delivery, address implementation bottlenecks and ensure that every intervention under Kogi RAAMP delivers maximum value to rural communities across Kogi State.I