Oyo awards N3.5bn contracts to upgrade three rural markets under RAAMP

The Oyo State Government has awarded contracts worth N3.5 billion for the first phase of the physical improvement and remodelling of three major rural markets under the Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OY-RAAMP).

The contracts, aimed at modernising rural market infrastructure and strengthening agricultural value chains, cover the upgrade of Aare-Alasa Market in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, Oja-Agbe Market in Iseyin Local Government Area, and Oja-Oba Market in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to transforming rural markets into modern commercial hubs that will boost agricultural productivity and improve market access for farmers.

He said the markets would undergo comprehensive redevelopment, including improved infrastructure, modern storage facilities, upgraded access roads and other essential amenities designed to enhance agricultural logistics and create a more efficient trading environment.

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According to the commissioner, the projects are expected to strengthen the state’s agricultural value chain by improving the movement, storage and marketing of farm produce.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, described the contract signing as a major milestone in Oyo State’s agricultural transformation agenda.

She noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of promoting food security, stimulating rural economic growth and empowering farming communities across the state.

Also speaking, the OY-RAAMP State Coordinator, Engr. Adeola Ekundayo, disclosed that the N3.5 billion project allocation comprises N1.227 billion for the upgrade of Aare-Alasa Market, N1.220 billion for Oja-Agbe Market and N1.043 billion for the improvement of Oja-Oba Market.

Ekundayo explained that the agro-logistics component of RAAMP is designed to improve rural market infrastructure, strengthen connections between markets and rural roads, reduce post-harvest losses and enhance farmers’ access to profitable markets.

She announced that Quicbond Nigeria Ltd will handle the Aare-Alasa Market project in Ona-Ara LGA, Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd will execute the Oja-Agbe Market upgrade in Iseyin LGA, while AB-Bond Habitat Ltd will undertake the Oja-Oba Market improvement project in Ibarapa Central LGA.

The coordinator urged the contractors to maintain close collaboration with host communities throughout the implementation of the projects to ensure sustainability, community ownership and timely delivery.

The market upgrade forms part of Oyo State’s broader efforts under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project to improve rural infrastructure, facilitate agricultural trade and enhance livelihoods across the state.