Shettima Inaugurates Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone to Transform Nigeria’s Agricultural

By Abdullahi Lukman

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tuesday in Kaduna, inaugurated Phase 1 of Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts at industrializing its agriculture sector and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Shettima emphasized that the SAPZ is a strategic response to the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low value addition.

“We are not just breaking ground; we are building the infrastructure to feed our people and fulfill the economic promise of our nation,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would create thousands of jobs and empower Nigerian youth, positioning them as active stakeholders in the economy.

The SAPZ is part of a broader national initiative involving several states, including Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory.

The zones are designed to serve as agro-industrial hubs, integrating farmers with processors, reducing post-harvest losses, and expanding economic opportunities in rural areas.

Shettima praised Kaduna’s historical significance in agriculture, citing its rich arable land and potential to lead Nigeria’s agro-industrial future.

“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” he noted.

Highlighting the importance of youth involvement, the Vice President urged young Nigerians to actively participate in the agricultural revolution.

“The SAPZ will generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy. They must not be spectators; they must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures,” he asserted.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State echoed Shettima’s sentiments, describing the SAPZ as a strategic investment that positions the state as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial development.

He reported a substantial increase in the agricultural budget, from N1.4 billion in 2023 to N74.2 billion in 2025, highlighting the government’s commitment to boosting the agricultural sector.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, commended Kaduna’s commitment to the SAPZ, emphasizing the importance of agricultural industrialization in the state’s economic growth.

He reaffirmed the bank’s support, noting that the initiative is currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the SAPZ as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history. “This program will be a game changer.

It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development,” he said, highlighting the initiative’s potential to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.

The SAPZ program is being implemented with support from international development partners, including the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by government dignitaries, stakeholders, and partners who expressed their commitment to the project’s success.