*7 States, FCT set for phase 1 rollout*
*Osinbajo commends progress so far*

As part of the Buhari administration’s efforts to transform agricultural productivity in the country, the Federal Government in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other stakeholders is set to roll out a Special-Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme aimed at concentrating agro-processing activities in demarcated areas to boost productivity and integrate production, processing and marketing of selected commodities.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, commended the progress in the plan earlier today at a meeting at the Presidential Villa where he was briefed about the status of the collaboration. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Nanono and his counterpart in the Industry, Trade and Investment Ministry, Otunba Niyi Adebayo were also at the meeting.

Under the programme, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with the AfDB and working with other stakeholders such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Bank of Industry, will demarcate areas across the 36 States and the FCT where the agro-processing centres will be established. About 140 of such centers are being envisaged across the country.

The agro-processing centres will be provided with basic infrastructure such as water, electricity and roads as well as facilities for skills training. Small-holder farmers in the catchment areas will be linked to markets across the value chain.

To set off the plan in the opening phase, 7 States representing most of the geo-political zones in the country have been selected in addition to the Federal Capital Territory. The States are Ogun, Oyo, Imo, Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kwara. All the other States in the country would be added later as the scheme progresses.

The programme aligns with the Economic Sustainability Plan and the Next Level programme of the Buhari administration regarding agriculture.

Briefing Prof. Osinbajo on the progress made so far in the implementation of the programme, AfDB’s Acting Vice President, Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Ms Toda Atsuko said the bank in collaboration with other stakeholders was ready to start the first phase of the Special-Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, having completed a joint appraisal mission across the 36 States with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Atsuko who commended the Buhari administration for its efforts said the success of the project is hinged on the political will of the Buhari administration, adding that the plan will create jobs, and leverage on technology with significant youth participation.

“I am very pleased to see that work has advanced and quite a bit is already being done. There is a need to synergize really concretely with Green Imperative (which is the partnership with the Brazilians), I think there are areas where these two programmes can complement each other,” according to the Vice President.

According to him, “I am absolutely certain that we have enough room given the sheer size of the agric enterprise in Nigeria, we have enough room to accommodate these programmes, especially when they are synergized in a way that it will benefit the entire sector.”

Emphasizing the need to also ensure effective synergy with the 36 States, the Vice President said “again, synergy will be crucial with the States because there is no way of getting this thing done without a close collaboration with the States because the States are where these projects will be cited.”

Prof. Osinbajo then commended the efforts of all stakeholders on the project noting that “this is a very good progress that we have made and we must ensure this actually works. Particularly with the collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Nanono welcomed the partnership to establish agro-processing zones across the country, noting that it would be to the benefit of farmers and the agric sector at large.

He also emphasized the need for synergy of ideas and efforts to ensure that the Special-Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme complements the Green Imperative initiative of the Buhari administration.

On his part, Associate Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Mr Donal Brown who joined virtually, said the organization would co-finance the project with the AfDB with the view to creating an important opportunity for small-holder farmers in Nigeria to improve their farm yields, enhance their income and livelihoods. Already, IFAD is working with about 150,000 Nigerian small holder farmers.

Besides the Ministers, other officials at the meeting included the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Adeyemi Dipeolu; the MD/CEO of Bank of Industry, Mr Kayode Pitan; Senior Special Adviser to the AfDB President on Industrialization, Prof Oyebanji Oyeyinka, among other senior officials from the AfDB and IFAD.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
16th April 2021

https://www-today-ng.cdn.ampproject.org/wp/s/www.today.ng/news/nigeria/nigerian-government-afdb-collaborate-special-agro-processing-359148/amp?usqp=mq331AQTKAFQApgBieiUud_s7o7HAbABIA%3D%3D

There are a lot of potential in our agro industrial, processes and activities, one that can generate million of dollar if invested in. In fact the whole agricultural value chain is a sure way to deversify our economy.

A big one there by AFDB. I hope the seven states will do justice to the opportunity given to them. Nigeria needs food security asap.

The establishment of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) is an integrated development initiative designed to establish Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) across the country aimed at concentrating agro-processing activities within areas of high agricultural potential to boost productivity and integrate production, processing and marketing of selected commodities. With financing to be provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB), this project covers the proposition of establishing agro-Industrial Parks, Agro Transformation Centres and Agro support systems in Anambra, Benue, Cross River and Ebonyi States. The industries shall utilise products derivable from horticulture, rice, industrial cassava, and cocoa as feedstock.

This is good because the agro-processing centres will be provided with basic infrastructure such as water, electricity and roads as well as facilities for skills training. Small-holder farmers in the catchment areas will be linked to markets across the value chain.

This is highly commendable, the agro processing industry will develop our country economically, it will also provide job opportunities for the able youth. Nigerians will be very happy if this project can be fully implemented.

I ga ju onye. all this things they re claiming they are working

Ok

More loans?

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Good

Good may God help u guys

One of the few underrated sectors in Nigeria

Following

N-power what is going on

I am a farmer til date, I need a loan to expand my scope mechanically. I wan 2 relocate to A sure or Osun, I constraibt need finance pls. brgds Segun Owolabi I 08062758922

This Akinwumi Adeshina is the only person I will vote for if he contests in 2023.

Any other Tinubu or Osubande or Atiku are just a waste of time and resources that I don't have.


Even devil know say I no go vote for any of them in 2023.

These initiatives are very commendable. Agriculture as a sector will help in Economic diversification, food storage and production as well as job creation. Kudos