FG, AfDB, Kaduna, and Cross River Launch $538m Agro-Industrial Revolution Under SAPZ Programme

In a landmark step towards transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the FG, Federal Government, African Development Bank (AfDB), and state governments of Kaduna and Cross River have commenced the Phase 1 construction of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme. The initiative, which kicked off with groundbreaking ceremonies in Kaduna yesterday, aims to modernize Nigeria’s agro-industrial landscape, reduce food imports, create jobs, and enhance food security.

The Kaduna event was attended by prominent dignitaries including AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and the host governor, Uba Sani. Following the ceremony in Kaduna, Dr. Adesina is scheduled to lead a similar groundbreaking in Cross River State alongside Governor Bassey Edet Otu and representatives of the Federal Government.

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Focus Keyword: “Transformation” as SAPZ Redefines Nigeria’s Agricultural Landscape

With a total investment of $538 million for the first phase, the SAPZ programme is a transformative initiative involving eight key locations: Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Funded by a combination of AfDB’s $210 million contribution and support from partners including the Islamic Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, the programme promises to shift Nigeria from a food-importing nation to an agro-industrial powerhouse.

Dr. Adesina emphasized that the SAPZ project is not merely about infrastructure, but about people, jobs, and development. “The goal is to transform rural economies from zones of economic misery to zones of prosperity,” he said.

Reducing Food Imports and Increasing Productivity

In 2023 alone, Nigeria spent approximately $4.7 billion on food imports, a trend the SAPZ initiative aims to reverse. Through the development of Agro-Industrial Hubs, Agricultural Transformation Centers, and Aggregation Centers, the programme will significantly increase domestic agricultural productivity—targeted to rise by over 60 percent.

A major objective of SAPZ is to cut post-harvest losses, strengthen supply chains from farms to markets, and position Nigeria as a leading agro-industrial hub in Africa. The strategic placement of these hubs is based on each region’s agricultural strengths, infrastructure readiness, and geographic location.

For instance, Kaduna’s SAPZ will focus on crops such as maize, soybeans, ginger, and tomatoes, while Cross River will leverage its rich production of cocoa, cassava, and rice.

Job Creation and Economic Empowerment

According to projections, each of the participating states could witness the creation of over 60,000 direct and indirect jobs, especially for young Nigerians. With agriculture already a critical employment sector, this initiative presents a structured and sustainable way to unlock youth potential while attracting private investments.

Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the job-creation potential of the SAPZ initiative and affirmed that it aligns with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “This is a new dawn for agro-industrialization in Nigeria,” Shettima remarked.

The SAPZ also fosters synergy between the industrial sector and academic institutions, given the proximity of the sites to major universities—Ahmadu Bello University (Kaduna) and University of Calabar (Cross River). This nearness is expected to facilitate knowledge transfer, research collaboration, and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Growth

With 37 percent of AfDB’s $5.1 billion Nigeria portfolio focused on private sector development, the country remains a focal point for sustainable growth in Africa. The SAPZ programme is not just a government venture but a multi-stakeholder public-private partnership model designed to be scalable and self-sustaining.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential, stating that it will reposition the state as a major agricultural investment destination. His Cross River counterpart, Governor Bassey Otu, echoed this sentiment and lauded the Federal Government and AfDB for supporting inclusive agricultural development.

National Impact, Global Ambition

As Nigeria positions itself for food security and agro-industrial dominance, the SAPZ programme represents more than infrastructure—it’s a blueprint for economic resilience, rural transformation, and global competitiveness. By integrating production with processing and distribution, the SAPZ strategy targets value chain development rather than just raw crop production.

The two groundbreaking ceremonies mark the beginning of a phased implementation plan, with other states expected to follow. Several other state governors, federal officials, and development partners are also scheduled to attend future ceremonies as Nigeria scales up the project.

The SAPZ programme, with its $538 million Phase 1 investment, is a defining step in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation journey. Backed by AfDB and global partners, and rooted in strong public-private cooperation, the initiative aims to empower local farmers, reduce reliance on food imports, and build an agro-based economy driven by youth, innovation, and inclusive growth.

As construction commences in Kaduna and Cross River, optimism is high that this initiative will fulfill its promise to turn rural zones into engines of prosperity—ushering in a new era of agricultural and economic transformation across Nigeria.