Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has announced plans to construct and upgrade 300 rural roads across the state, as part of his administration’s rural transformation agenda to improve the quality of life for people at the grassroots level. He made this announcement during the flag-off of the 6.5-kilometre Malisa–Kurya–Maruda rural road project in Gwandu Local Government Area on Wednesday.
According to the governor, 300 kilometres of rural roads have been identified for construction, upgrade, scope improvement, and maintenance in the first phase of the rural transformation agenda. Governor Idris emphasized his awareness of the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing markets, transport, and other essential services, and he pledged that work on all identified roads would continue until completion.
“We are committed to ensuring that rural communities are not left behind; agriculture and other social services will continue to receive our attention,” the governor assured. He also directed the contractor to execute quality work and urged the people of Kebbi State to closely monitor all projects.
In his welcome address, the State Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Idris Adamu, stated that the 6.5-kilometre road is scheduled to be completed in one year at a cost of over 565 million naira. This project is under the auspices of the Kebbi State RAAMP.
In a similar development, Governor Idris also flagged off the construction of the Rini Junction–Gidan Jodi–Garu Town road in Augie Local Government Area, continuing the commencement of the roads project that started in Shanga Local Government Area on Monday. He reaffirmed his commitment to providing free fertilizer to farmers in the state, contrasting this with other states where fertilizer is either sold or subsidized.
“I will distribute the resources of Kebbi State judiciously and evenly,” he assured.
Governor Idris further announced plans to embark on the construction of 5 kilometres of township roads in Argungu and a 5 billion naira empowerment package for 50,000 beneficiaries across the state to mitigate the current economic situation. “Insha Allah, by next month, 50,000 people will benefit from 100,000 naira each, totaling about 5 billion naira,” he stated.
He also assured that his administration would continue to support Traditional Rulers and highlighted various achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, and the payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities to workers.
The Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Shehu Muazu, praised Governor Idris for his developmental projects, particularly the construction of rural and urban roads across the state. State RAAMP Coordinator Idris Adamu explained that the Rini Junction–Gidan Jodi–Garu road in Augie Local Government measures 5.5 kilometres and is expected to be completed in one year at a cost of over 434 million naira.