Awka, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through its Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), held a key policy dialogue with stakeholders in Awka on Tuesday. The discussion focused on the sustainability of rural road infrastructure across participating local government areas (LGAs) in Anambra State.
In a statement during the event, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, noted the lasting impact of the VCDP’s interventions on farmers in the state. Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Uzoka, Dr. Ihejiofor explained that the dialogue aimed to ensure the integration of the operation and maintenance of rural roads into the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) of the LGAs. This step, he said, would guarantee the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure after the VCDP program concludes.
“The policy centers on integrating the operation and maintenance of rural road infrastructure in the Local Government AWPB for sustainability. We will ensure this is accepted and adopted to sustain these feeder roads when the program ends,” he emphasized.
Acting State Programme Coordinator, Dr. Deborah Onyefulu, said the dialogue comes as the VCDP prepares to wind down its operations. She highlighted the importance of local governments taking ownership of the rural infrastructure maintenance, further stressing the need for continued advocacy to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.
Dr. Chris Azor, Chairman of the Civil Society Organization (CSO), praised the initiative as a strategic exit plan, noting that engaging stakeholders for the sustainability of the programme’s interventions was a positive step. He called for more grassroots involvement to drive the success of the policy.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Gloria Ekebosi, Head of Agriculture in Awka North LGA, emphasized the importance of collaboration between extension agents, local government officials, and councilors to provide regular oversight and ensure the policy’s success at the local level.
