In response to ongoing high food inflation, the Federal Government, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Islamic Development Bank, and various other stakeholders, has taken steps to expedite the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones 1 (SAPZ 1) Project.

The SAPZ initiative aims to foster inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development in Nigeria. It emphasizes environmental sustainability by integrating climate-smart practices, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring responsible management of natural resources. The first phase of this initiative is set to unfold over a five-year period, from 2022 to 2026.

To facilitate the swift execution of the SAPZ 1 Project, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has convened a two-day workshop focused on the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, which includes the establishment of a States Steering and Technical Committee and the validation of the SAPZ Programme Operational Guidelines.

During the event held in Abuja, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, acknowledged the challenges that have hindered the timely implementation of the Programme in the eight selected states: Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Imo, Cross River, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 

Despite these challenges, Kyari praised the funding partners—AfDB, IFAD, and the Islamic Development Bank—for their continued support of the project, highlighting that these challenges could be transformed into opportunities.

The forum aims to accelerate Nigeria’s agricultural transformation through the SAPZ initiative, with the goal of revitalizing the agricultural sector, generating thousands of jobs, and fostering sustainable economic growth through private sector investments.