government of Nigeria, has held a meeting with stakeholders to discuss
details around Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in Nigeria.
A workshop was held in Abuja from 17 to 18 February to address the
categorization and location of the SAPZs, which are meant to kickstart
the agriculture sector.
Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister for Agriculture and Rural
Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, lauded the efforts of the African
Development Bank and called for all hands to be on deck in the
sustainable implementation of the initiative.
“I am proud that the SAPZ project is taking off, with strong
collaboration with the African Development Bank. The project is indeed a
promising one for the future of agriculture in Nigeria,” he said.
The well-attended forum presented all stakeholders with the opportunity
to follow up on outcomes of previous design interventions. The workshop
was attended, among others, by Afreximbank, the International Finance
Corporation, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Development Bank
of Nigeria and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of
Nigeria.
The Senior Special Adviser to the President of the African Development
Bank, Oyebanji Oyeyinka-Oyelaran, outlined the strategy for Nigeria,
saying it would focus on developing key value chains and select the most
promising agricultural clusters.
“The strategy will also promote inclusivity, have a positive multiplier
effect in the zones of influence, by increasing yields through the use
of modern technologies – improved seed, fertilizers, mechanization,
digitization, irrigation and maximize positive engagement of youth and
women,” he said.
He further explained that value addition through better handling of
post-harvest losses and processing of the commodities would be a key
feature of this program in order to boost competitiveness.
Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones are integrated development
initiatives designed to concentrate agro-processing activities within
areas of high agricultural potential to boost productivity, integrate
production, processing and marketing of selected commodities.
These zones enable agricultural producers, processors, aggregators and
distributors to operate in the same vicinity to reduce transaction costs
and share business development services for increased productivity and
competitiveness.
By bringing adequate infrastructure (energy, water, roads, ICT) to rural
areas of high agricultural potential, SAPZs attract investments from
private agro-industrialists/entreprene
and social development of rural areas.
“The establishment of SAPZs in Nigeria will boost the structural
transformation of the economy by providing opportunities for public and
private sector investment in agriculture,” said Ebrima Faal, Senior
Director for the African Development Bank in Nigeria.
“When fully operational, the SAPZs will enhance national food and
nutritional security, optimize the export of value-added agricultural
commodities and improve the quality of livelihoods through wealth
creation for rural farming communities,” he added.