Kaduna: The Federal Government has declared the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) a pivotal element in its strategy to industrialize Nigeria’s agricultural sector and generate sustainable employment nationwide. Vice-President Kashim Shettima made this announcement during the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 1 of the SAPZ project in Kaduna.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the SAPZ project is a component of a broader national initiative, with its first phase extending to states including Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The project focuses on transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through innovation, private sector investment, and strategic public partnerships, aiming to establish agro-industrial hubs that connect farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance rural economic opportunities.
The facility is situated in Daki-Takwas, along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Shettima highlighted the project as a direct response to longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, such as inadequate infrastructure, restricted market access, and low-value addition. He expressed optimism that the initiative would stimulate economic growth by creating numerous jobs and empowering the youth.
“We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfill the economic promise of our nation. This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about people. It is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone,” he stated.
Shettima emphasized the necessity for the nation to advance beyond outdated systems, advocating for the SAPZ initiative as a strategy that establishes a foundation for genuine economic transformation. He commended the Kaduna State government for its leadership in agriculture, acknowledging the state as a crucial contributor to Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its fertile land and historical agricultural significance.
“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” Shettima added. He reiterated the importance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution, asserting that the SAPZ would create jobs and equip youth with the skills to actively participate in the economy. “The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures,” he said.
In his remarks, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, described the SAPZ as a strategic investment aimed at accelerating industrial development across Nigeria. He noted, “The SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development.”
According to Sani, agriculture is central to Kaduna’s economy, contributing 42% to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing 60% of the state’s workforce. He detailed the state’s increased budget allocation for agriculture, with plans to boost funding significantly in coming years.
Additionally, AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, commended Kaduna’s dedication to realizing the SAPZ, emphasizing the importance of agricultural industrialization in the state’s economic advancement.
