Vice President Kashim Shettima has said implementation of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) will catalyse an industrial revolution in agriculture, fostering innovation and inclusive growth.
Speaking through Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, at the groundbreaking in Ibadan, Oyo State, he said the initiative is a step towards positioning Nigeria as a competitive global agricultural player.
He said SAPZ is more than an infrastructural project, calling it a declaration that our future lies in transforming its agricultural resources into value-added products that power industries, generate jobs, and uplift farming communities.”
“We are laying the foundation for agro-industrial hubs to empower farmers and agro-processors, stimulate local economies, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets,” Shettima said.
He noted that SAPZ is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to restore national dignity, unlock economic potential, and expand opportunities for Nigerians.
“This programme is a testament to our commitment to renewing hope through strategic action, public-private partnerships, and inclusive growth,” he added.
He however highlighted the strategic collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, and international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), in driving the SAPZ initiative.
He commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for his leadership and commitment to development.
The Vice President also revealed that he led Nigeria’s delegation to the recent United Nations Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa, where SAPZ was showcased as the country’s flagship agricultural investment programme.
