The Kogi State Government has awarded contracts for the backlog maintenance and rehabilitation of 106.36 kilometres of rural farm roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
Valued at ₦6,387,454,983.00, the government said these contracts mark a pivotal step in improving accessibility and boosting agricultural productivity across the state.
The contract signing ceremony which was held on Monday in Lokoja amidst excitement and optimism, highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator, Engineer Sheidu Obansa, expressed confidence in the contractors and reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to inclusive rural development under Governor Usman Ododo.
Government said the projects were awarded to reputable construction firms after a thorough evaluation process, saying identifying the successful contractors to include Philko Limited, K-Class Multi-Global Engineering Construction Company JV Ferotex Construction Limited, Zarcus Construction Limited, and NAEL and Bin Harmal Hydro Export Nigeria Limited (NBHH).
Each contractor is tasked with delivering quality work to ensure the timely completion of the assigned projects.
“In addition to the road rehabilitation contracts, the government has also allocated ₦713,458,813.97 for cross-drainage structure interventions across 66mm.
“These works will address critical drainage issues in various locations, with G-Ariths Engineering Limited, Swaleys Nigeria Limited, and Simat Construction and Civil Engineering handling key projects.”
Engineer Obansa assured the contractors of the state’s unwavering support to facilitate efficient and timely execution of the projects while emphasising the importance of delivering work that meets specified quality standards.
The project’s Infrastructure Engineer, Engineer AbdulBasit Musa who also spoke at the event called for robust collaboration between the contractors and the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), stressing that all necessary resources and expertise are in place to ensure the success of these transformative projects.
On behalf of the contractors, Mohammed Ibrahim of Philko Limited pledged strong commitment to adhering to project timelines and ensuring quality delivery.
He expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity to contribute to its vision for rural development, noting that these projects are aimed at fostering economic growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance rural accessibility in line with the government’s development agenda.
He added that the recent contract award followed a similar initiative in October of the previous year, where contracts for 65.25 kilometres of rural roads were awarded, with civil works now in progress.
“These concerted efforts underscore the Kogi State Government’s resolve to bridge infrastructure deficits, paving the way for economic transformation and sustainable development across rural communities.