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By Daniel Adaji
Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that the Federal Government is laying the foundation for agro-industrial hubs aimed at empowering farmers, stimulating local economies, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in global markets.
Shettima, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Special Agro–Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program held in Ijaiye, Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement on Monday by Assistant Director of Information at the ministry, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the Vice president said, “We are laying the foundation for agro-industrial hubs that will empower agro-processors, farmers, stimulate local economies, and make Nigeria a competitive player in global markets,” Shettima stated. He added that “the program marks a decisive stride in collective quest to build a resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous Nigeria.”
Describing SAPZ as more than just an infrastructural project, he said it is “a bold declaration that Nigeria’s future lies in transforming its abundant agricultural resources into value-added products that fuel industries, generate employment, and uplift farmers.”
He noted that “the SAPZ initiative is one of the cornerstones of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, a vision rooted in restoring Nigeria’s dignity, unlocking vast potentials, and creating opportunities for every citizen.”
Highlighting the strategic nature of the programme, the VP explained that “it is a product of strategic partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria, state governments, and esteemed international development partners, especially the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).”
He commended the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, saying, “your unwavering commitment and dedication to the development of Oyo State have set the stage for this historic occasion. The event exemplifies the spirit of partnership and shared vision that is vital to our nation’s progress.”
Settima also disclosed that he represented President Bola Tinubu at the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where SAPZ was showcased as Nigeria’s flagship investment programme.
“Among others, we held a bilateral engagement with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dr. Alvaro Lario, to request additional financing across the participating states to boost productivity,” he said.
“This collaborative effort underscores shared belief that sustainable development in agriculture is achievable only through unity, innovation, and shared responsibility. It is a clear indication that Nigeria is committed to leveraging global expertise, capital, and best practices to achieve sustainable growth and social inclusion,” he added.
The Vice President reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to expanding SAPZ benefits across the 36 states, in collaboration with AfDB, starting with onboarding 10 more states by the first quarter of 2026.