The Benue State Government has secured €25 million from the European Investment Bank to develop 500 kilometers of roads across the state.
Stephen Numbeve, the State Coordinator of the Benue Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), announced this in Makurdi on Thursday.
Numbeve confirmed that all necessary paperwork has been finalized, and the agency is set to begin construction once the funds are disbursed.
"The road designs for 300 kilometers are complete, with designs for the remaining 200 kilometers still in progress," Numbeve said. He added that the road construction will cover 53 road networks across the state.
Numbeve explained, "Upon my appointment, I immediately took action and secured funds from the European Investment Bank along with six other states, including Edo, Anambra, Cross River, Taraba, and Borno. Each state was allocated €25 million, totaling €150 million. Although disbursement is pending, all relevant agreements and signings have been completed.
"The Minister of Finance has signed the agreement with the European Investment Bank on our behalf, and we anticipate that the disbursement will occur, hopefully, this June."
He further stated, "In preparation for receiving the funds, we have initiated engineering road designs, which are crucial for the construction of both rural and township roads. Designs for 300 kilometers have been completed, and we have just signed a contract for the design of the remaining 200 kilometers. The contractor will be mobilized immediately, and construction will commence shortly after the funds are received, covering a total of 500 kilometers across 53 roads in Benue."
