By Abbas Nazil
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector to stimulate economic growth and position it as a source of national pride.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Ijaiye, Akinyele Local Government Area, the Vice President—represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari—described the initiative as a pivotal move toward building a resilient and prosperous Nigeria.
He said the hub, part of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu, and is aimed at converting Nigeria’s abundant agricultural resources into value-added products that drive industrial growth, employment, and farmer empowerment.
Shettima emphasized that the SAPZ initiative is more than an infrastructure development; it is a strategic effort to reposition agriculture as the driver of national transformation.
He noted that the programme is the result of 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).
The Vice President added that such partnerships signal Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging international expertise, capital, and best practices to ensure sustainable development and inclusive prosperity.
He stated that with the launch of the initiative, the country is laying the foundation for agro-industrial systems that empower processors and farmers, boost local economies, and enable Nigeria to compete globally.
Shettima also revealed plans to expand the SAPZ programme to 27 additional states in tranches, starting with 10 states by the first quarter of 2026, following financing arrangements with development partners.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and dedication to the development of Oyo State’s agriculture sector.
Shettima also praised AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for his pivotal role in supporting the SAPZ initiative and championing agricultural transformation across Africa.
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, said the Ijaiye hub is the third agro-industrial hub established by his administration, following similar projects in Fashola and Eruwa.
He reiterated that agriculture plays a vital role in building a resilient economy and announced plans to develop three additional hubs in Ipapo, Iresa-Adu, and Ilora, with designs to be handed over to the next administration.
Dr. Adesina disclosed that AfDB had invested \$934 million in SAPZ development and mobilised an additional \$938 million for similar projects across Africa.
He stated that SAPZs are currently being constructed in 28 sites across 11 countries, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance logistics, and create stronger linkages between farm production, processing, and value chains.
He commended President Tinubu’s administration for its unwavering support for the SAPZ programme in Nigeria.
