SAPZ will drive Agricultural Revolution in Nigeria – VP Shettima
Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima has said that the timely implementation of the Special Agro – Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program would drive industrial revolution in the agriculture sector, ensuring innovation and inclusive prosperity.
VP Shettima made the disclosure during the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the SAPZ Program held recently in Ijaiye, Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital
Represented by
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the Vice President stated that ‘’we are laying the foundation for agro-industrial hubs that will empower agro-processors, farmers, stimulate local economies, and make Nigeria a competitive player in global markets’’.
In a statement by the Ministry’s Assistant Director, Information, Ikem Ezeaja, he added that “the program marks a decisive stride in collective quest to build a resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous Nigeria’’.
According to him, the initiative is more than just an infrastructural project; it’s a bold statement that Nigeria’s future hinges on transforming its abundant agricultural resources into value-added products that drive industries, create employment opportunities, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
VP Shettima highlighted that the SAPZ initiative is one of the cornerstones of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore the nation’s dignity, unlocking vast potentials, and creating opportunities for every citizen’’.
‘’It is a testament to unwavering commitment to a future where hope is renewed through concrete action, strategic partnerships, and inclusive growth’’, he added
The Vice President disclosed that the initiative *is product of strategic partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria, state governments, and esteemed international development partners, especially the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)’’.
While commending the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership, he added, ’your unwavering commitment and dedication to the development of Oyo State has set the stage for this historic occasion. The event exemplifies the spirit of partnership and shared vision that is vital to our nation’s progress’’.
‘’I had the honor to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and led a high powered delegation to the just concluded United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to showcase SAPZ as Nigeria’s flagship investment program where among others, we held a bilateral engagement with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dr. Alvaro Lario to request additional financing across the participating states to boost productivity
“This collaborative effort underscores shared belief that sustainable development in agriculture is achievable only through unity, innovation, and shared responsibility. It is a clear indication that Nigeria is committed to leveraging global expertise, capital, and best practices to achieve sustainable growth and social inclusion,” he said
The Vice President who reiterated the present administration’s commitment to the transformation of the sector said, :we are expanding the development benefit of the SAPZ across the 36 states, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, to unboard 27 more states in tranches starting with 10 states by the 1st quarter of 2026 sequel to financing procedures between the Federal Government and the Financing partners’’.
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