Oyo State Signs N3.5bn Deal to Upgrade Rural Markets for Agricultural Growth
The Oyo State Government has approved and signed contracts totaling ₦3.5 billion for the first phase of the Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OY-RAAMP) aimed at upgrading three key rural markets.
The markets set for modernisation in this phase are:
- Aare-Alasa Market, Akanran, Ona-Ara LGA
- Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin LGA
- Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central LGA
This was announced by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan on Sunday.
According to Olaleye, the goal is to transform these markets into modern agricultural hubs with better infrastructure, storage systems, and access roads to ease logistics for farmers and traders.
“These markets will undergo comprehensive modernisation to reduce post-harvest losses, improve supply chains, and support rural economic development,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Abosede Owoeye, described the contract signing as a major step in achieving Governor Seyi Makinde’s rural development and food security agenda.
Project Allocation Breakdown:
- ₦1.23 billion for Aare-Alasa Market (contractor: Quicbond Nigeria Ltd)
- ₦1.22 billion for Oja-Agbe Market (contractor: Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd)
- ₦1.04 billion for Oja-Oba Market (contractor: AB-Bond Habitat Ltd)
OY-RAAMP Coordinator, Adeola Ekundayo, explained that the project falls under the Agro-Logistics component of RAAMP, targeting reduced post-harvest waste, better rural road linkages, and improved access to markets for farmers.
She emphasized the importance of community collaboration and urged contractors to partner with local residents for smooth execution and sustainability.
“This initiative is designed not just for infrastructure, but for long-term rural economic transformation,” she noted.
The project marks a significant milestone in Governor Makinde’s commitment to rural development, food security, and inclusive economic growth across Oyo State.
