By Abdullahi Lukman
The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders, has launched a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project in Ijaiye, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Saturday, marks the first SAPZ in southwest Nigeria.
According to the AfDB, the project aims to revolutionize agriculture in the region, drive economic growth, and create employment opportunities.
It is part of a broader effort to strengthen food security and rural development across the country.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said the facility will include processing centres, warehouses, livestock hubs, ICT infrastructure, and healthcare facilities in its initial phase, with plans for expansion.
He emphasized the strategic importance of the zone to the region’s agricultural value chain.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as more than an infrastructure project, calling it a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to lifting its population through agricultural transformation.
AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, whose 10-year tenure concludes in September, said the vision for SAPZs dates back to his time as Nigeria’s agriculture minister.
He highlighted the project’s goal to reduce post-harvest losses, boost agro-processing, and link farmers with markets.
Abdul Kamara, AfDB’s director-general for Nigeria, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to overcoming barriers in the agro-industrial sector, referencing Ethiopia’s success in becoming a wheat exporter.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima had earlier disclosed that Nigeria has allocated $538.05 million to the first phase of the SAPZ initiative, expected to create over 785,000 jobs nationwide.
