Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the special agro-industrial processing zones (SAPZ) project will be extended to 10 states by the first quarter (Q1) of 2026.
According to a statement by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, assistant director of information, ministry of agriculture and food security, on Monday, Shettima spoke at the flagging off of a SAPZ project in Ijaiye, Akinyele local government area (LGA), Oyo, on Sunday.
Shettima, represented at the event by Abubakar Kyari, the minister of agriculture and food security, said the initiative will be extended across the 36 states in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Eight states – Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and the FCT – have expressed interest and met the conditions for phase one of the SAPZ project.
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‘TIMELY IMPLEMENTATION OF SAPZ WILL DRIVE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION’
Shettima said the timely implementation of the SAPZ programme will drive the industrial revolution in the agriculture sector, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.
He said the SAPZ programme is a decisive stride towards building a resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous Nigeria through agricultural transformation and value-added production.
“The SAPZ initiative is one of the cornerstones of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu, A vision rooted in restoring Nigeria’s dignity, unlocking vast potentials, and creating opportunities for every citizen,” the vice-president said.
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“It is a testament to unwavering commitment to a future where hope is renewed through concrete action, strategic partnerships, and inclusive growth.”
He also commended Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, for his leadership, citing his commitment to the state’s development as pivotal to the SAPZ initiative’s success.
“The event exemplifies the spirit of partnership and shared vision that is vital to our nation’s progress,” Shettima said.
“This collaborative effort underscores shared belief that sustainable development in agriculture is achievable only through unity, innovation, and shared responsibility.
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“It is a clear indication that Nigeria is committed to leveraging global expertise, capital, and best practices to achieve sustainable growth and social inclusion.
”We are expanding the development benefits of the SAPZ across the 36 states, in collaboration with the African Development Bank to unboard 27 more states in tranches.”
The AfDB, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) are major partners in the programme.
On April 8, the AfDB launched phase one of the $538 million SAPZ programme — Nigeria’s first special agro-industrial processing zone in Kaduna.
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And on April 10, the groundbreaking of the SAPZ project in Cross River was done.
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