By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has committed $538.05 million to establish Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) across Nigeria, as part of a broader strategy to transform the country’s food systems and boost agricultural productivity.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this in Abuja during the Community of Practice Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
He noted that the initiative is designed to make Nigeria’s food systems more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.
The SAPZs—already launched in Kaduna, Ogun, and Cross River States—are expected to attract an additional $1 billion in private sector investments by 2027. The zones aim to drive value addition, create jobs, and strengthen agricultural value chains.
Kyari revealed that the government has also deployed 2,000 tractors and related implements to support increased food production.
A national Agricultural Sector Working Group has been created to track progress, address gaps, and ensure accountability.
The minister also highlighted the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST), which was presented at the African Food Systems Summit in Dakar.
The programme seeks to cut annual post-harvest losses—estimated at ₦3.5 trillion—enhance food value chains, and improve food sovereignty.
Kyari stressed the need for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to sustain reforms in the agriculture sector.
“The Federal Government stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to build robust, equitable, and sustainable food systems,” he said.
Dr. Karin Jansen of the German Development Cooperation noted that the Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies project supports reforms in nine African and Asian countries.
The initiative links food security, climate action, and biodiversity within national agricultural policies.
She added that Germany has reaffirmed its support for CAADP and the updated 2025 Kampala Declaration, which sets the direction for food systems transformation across Africa.
Rosemary Effiong, Chairperson of the Coalition of NGOs in Agriculture and Sustainable Development, urged greater investment in climate-resilient farming, improved rural infrastructure, and gender-responsive agricultural policies.
She also called for the implementation of the CAADP budget commitment to allocate at least 10% of public funds to agriculture at all levels.
Effiong emphasized the importance of including non-state actors in planning and monitoring systems, promoting bio-fortified crops, and scaling up homestead gardening to improve nutrition and livelihoods.
Stakeholders agreed on the urgent need for a unified, inclusive, and well-funded approach to building sustainable food systems and achieving long-term agricultural resilience in Nigeria.