FG set to launch special agro-industrial processing zones nationwide

VICE President Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that a Special-Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme aimed at concentrating agro-processing activities in demarcated areas is set to commence its first phase in Ogun, Oyo, Imo, Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, and the FCT.

In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, on Friday, April 16, 2021, Osinbajo noted that the scheme will help achieve Nigeria’s sustainability and also increase trade.

The Vice President said the expansion and growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains a top priority of the administration, and SAPZ will play a crucial role in helping us achieve our goal of sustainability and increased trade.

He added that the Federal government is partnering with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other stakeholders on the programme, citing that it will concentrate on agro-processing activities in demarcated areas to boost productivity and integrate production, processing and marketing of selected commodities.

“The first phase, set to kick off soon, will involve 7 states: Ogun, Oyo, Imo, Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, and the FCT. However, down the line, 140 such centres will be created across the country.”

Osinbajo further stated that the centres will be equipped with basic infrastructure such as water and electricity as well as facilities for skill training and also enable smallholder farmers to have access to a much larger value chain.

”I think there are areas where these two programmes can complement each other. I am absolutely certain that we have enough room given the sheer size of the agric enterprise in Nigeria, we have enough room to accommodate these programmes, especially when they are synergized in a way that it will benefit the entire sector.

”Again, synergy will be crucial with the States because there is no way of getting this thing done without a close collaboration with the States because the States are where these projects will be cited. This is a very good progress that we have made and we must ensure this actually works. Particularly with the collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.”

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Nanono, also welcomed the partnership in his earlier remarks, noting that it would be to the benefit of farmers and the agric sector at large.
He emphasised the need for synergy of ideas and efforts to ensure that the Special-Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme complements the Green Imperative initiative of the Buhari administration.

Associate Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Mr. Donal Brown, who joined virtually, reacted to the partnership, saying the organisation would co-finance the project with the AfDB with the view to creating an important opportunity for small-holder farmers in Nigeria to improve their farm yields, enhance their income and livelihoods.