The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, GCON, has said that the timely implementation of the Special Agro–Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program would drive industrial revolution in the agriculture sector, foster innovation, and ensure inclusive prosperity.
The Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the SAPZ Program held in Ijaiye, Ibadan, Oyo State, South-Western Nigeria.
Vice President Shettima stated that, “we are laying the foundation for agro-industrial hubs that will empower agro-processors and farmers, stimulate local economies, and make Nigeria a competitive player in global markets.”
He added that, “the program marks a decisive stride in our collective quest to build a resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous Nigeria.”
He stressed that the initiative is not just an infrastructural project but 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.
Shettima 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.”
He pointed out that, “it is a testament to unwavering commitment to a future where hope is renewed through concrete action, strategic partnerships, and inclusive growth.”
The Vice President revealed 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 lauded the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, FNSE.
According to him, “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.”
He further said, “I had the honor to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and led a high-powered delegation to the just concluded United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to showcase SAPZ as Nigeria’s flagship investment program, where we also 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 stated that, “this collaborative effort underscores our 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.”
The Vice President reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to this transformative journey under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“Accordingly, we are expanding the development benefits of the SAPZ across the 36 states, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, to onboard 27 more states in tranches, starting with 10 states by the first quarter of 2026, following financing procedures between the Federal Government and the financing partners.”
The highlight of the event was the flag-off of the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the SAPZ Program by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde.