Government and International Partners Launch Agro-Industrial Initiative in Kaduna, Pledging Job Creation
Vice President Kashim Shettima led the commencement ceremony in Kaduna State on Tuesday for Phase 1 of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ). He described the event as a pivotal step in President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector and generate lasting employment nationwide.
The SAPZ is one component of a broader national initiative that includes Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory in its first implementation stage. The program is designed to revolutionize agriculture through innovation, attracting private investment, and forging strategic partnerships between public and private entities. By establishing integrated agro-industrial centers, the project will connect farmers with processing facilities, minimize losses after harvest, and broaden economic opportunities in rural regions.
The initiative enjoys the backing of several international development institutions such as the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
Speaking to dignitaries and stakeholders on a sprawling plot along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway in the Chikun Local Government Area, Vice President Shettima labeled the SAPZ as a “presidential priority project.” He emphasized that the scheme directly addresses long-standing obstacles within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, such as inadequate infrastructure, restricted market access, and minimal value addition.
“We are not merely laying the foundation for a building; we are erecting the framework to nourish our population, empower our youth, and fulfill our nation’s economic promise,” the Vice President declared. He highlighted that the move was also about transforming outdated practices into structures that foster real economic change.
Shettima commended Kaduna State’s leadership in agriculture—acknowledging the state’s fertile land and historical significance in production—as a driving force behind Nigeria’s evolving agro-industrial landscape. He noted that the project would serve as a blueprint for other regions, while underscoring the vital role young Nigerians must play by transforming into active contributors rather than mere bystanders.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, characterized the project as a strategic investment intended to accelerate industrial development across the country. He noted agriculture’s central importance in Kaduna’s economy, stating that the sector now contributes a significant portion to the state’s GDP and employs the majority of its workforce. He recalled that earlier budget allocations for agriculture had dramatically increased over the past few years, reflecting a strong commitment to revitalizing the sector.
The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, also lauded the initiative, emphasizing the critical role of agricultural industrialization in driving economic growth. He mentioned that over $934 million has been dedicated to similar initiatives across the continent, with nearly an equivalent sum mobilized from partner sources. Dr. Adesina commended Kaduna State for setting an example by launching the first SAPZ in Nigeria and highlighted the state’s efforts in supporting related social programs such as school feeding schemes and improvements in primary healthcare infrastructure.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the project as a transformative moment for Nigeria’s agricultural history. He explained that the initiative is set to attract substantial private-sector investment, promote value addition, and stimulate rural development, thereby strengthening the agricultural ecosystem to meet contemporary challenges.
Additionally, local traditional leaders, including the Emir of Zazzau, expressed deep gratitude for the project, recognizing its potential to enhance the welfare of Kaduna’s citizens.
A wide range of high-profile attendees were present at the event, including former Vice President Namadi Sambo, state executive council members, legislators, and various government officials from both state and federal levels. Their collective presence underscored the national importance of the SAPZ initiative.
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