Kaduna State has kicked off the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), an initiative aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector and enhancing food production.
SAPZ is a program designed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS).
Speaking at the ceremony of the SAPZ at Dakin Takwas village, Kaduna-Abuja expressway on Tuesday, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima described the project as a testament to the resilience of Nigerian farmers, the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs, and the commitment of both government and international development partners.
“It is no surprise that Kaduna State is leading the implementation of this programme,” said Shettima.
“This reflects Governor Uba Sani’s result-oriented leadership and the state’s commitment to sustainable agricultural transformation.”
Shettima emphasized the need to move away from outdated processing systems and embrace innovation and sustainable agribusiness linkages that will drive productivity and private sector growth.
Highlighting Kaduna State’s abundant arable land and natural resources, Shettima said the state is well-positioned at the forefront of Nigeria’s agricultural revolution.
However, he lamented longstanding challenges such as poor access to finance and markets, inadequate infrastructure, and substandard agro-processing environments.
“These challenges have frustrated our farmers and hindered rural economic development. But with SAPZ, the narrative will change for the better,” he noted.
Governor Uba Sani, in his remarks, said the SAPZ project would transition agriculture in the state from basic production to value addition and industrialization.
“SAPZ is a game-changer,” the governor said. “It is designed to integrate production, processing, and marketing by clustering agro-industrial activities in strategic locations.”
According to him, the Agricultural Transformation Centre (ATC) in Dutsen-Wai, Kubau LGA, will focus on crop aggregation, processing, and storage for key commodities such as maize, tomatoes, and ginger. Meanwhile, the Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) in Daki-Takwas, Chikun LGA, will serve as a nucleus for processing industries, logistics, and export-focused agribusinesses.
“These clusters will reduce post-harvest losses, improve efficiency, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth across sectors,” he added.
Sani emphasized that SAPZ would strengthen Kaduna State’s capacity for exports, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), by ensuring agricultural products meet international standards.
He also announced the development of a first-of-its-kind Agricultural Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) in Northern Nigeria, in collaboration with Afrexim Bank, to support testing, certification, and quality assurance.
Also speaking at the event, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, commended Governor Sani for his vision and commitment to agriculture.
“Since becoming Governor, you have raised the agriculture budget to 10%, now at about N74 billion,” Adesina said.
“With the SAPZs, agriculture will thrive across Kaduna. Rural areas will witness economic activity, and Kaduna will emerge as a hub for agro-industrialization.”
Adesina praised President Bola Tinubu for forging strategic partnerships with the AfDB and revealed that the bank had committed over $934 million to SAPZs, with additional co-financing of $938 million from other partners, including the Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The SAPZ initiative is currently being implemented in 27 locations across 11 African countries. In Nigeria, the first phase covers eight states—Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Cross River, and Imo—and the Federal Capital Territory.
The total financing for the first phase in Nigeria is $510 million, with $200 million provided by the AfDB (including $50 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund), $150 million from the Islamic Development Bank, $100 million from IFAD, and $60 million from the Green Climate Fund.
The Kaduna SAPZ project is expected to transform the state’s agricultural landscape, boost food production, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a major player in regional and global agro-markets.
Editorial1 year ago