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Nigeria Rallies SAPZ-2 Partners To Accelerate Agro-Industrial Growth
Nigeria Rallies SAPZ-2 Partners To Accelerate Agro-Industrial Growth
*** Innovative hubs target food security, job creation, economic diversification – VP Shettima
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian government has called on international development partners to co-finance phase two of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone known as SAPZ-2 programme to accelerate the implementation of the initiative for agro-industrial growth in the country.
This is just as Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the project as a game changer for the nation’s economy, saying accelerated implementation plan for phase one and the on-boarding of the phase-two states will enable the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to actualize its food security agenda.
The Nigeria Special Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme aims to create new hubs that integrate the production, processing and distribution of targeted crops and livestock to achieve food security, increase incomes, improve livelihoods, and support economic diversification.
Speaking on Thursday during the SAPZ-2 programme co-financiers meeting held at Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President said the SAPZ programme would be a win-win situation for both the Nigerian government and the development partners in meeting their development objectives and impacting livelihoods.
He said, “This meeting has become imperative to mobilize additional financing for the second phase of the programme to accommodate more States beyond the ten that has been earmarked.
“We currently have a commitment of US$600 million from AfDB through a multi-tranche financing arrangement of US$200 million/year and US$300 million from BADEA expected to be allocated on a US$100 million/year basis.”
On phase one of the initiative, VP Shettima noted that the first phase taught a lot of lessons which is helping the government to reshape the programme towards an accelerated delivery,
Noting that the whole idea will actualize the administration’s food security agenda, he said, “With the African Development Bank (AfDB), the SAPZ programme is different from any other programme and has been set on autopilot with the Design, Build and Operate (DBO) model that is set to deliver infrastructure for the processing zones by the end of 2025.
“The accelerated implementation plan for phase one and the on-boarding of the phase-two states will enable us to achieve Mr. President’s Food Security Agenda.
“The strategic focus is to set modalities for increased production and processing of Cassava, Rice, Maize, Cocoa, Tomatoes, and Livestock amongst other designated SAPZ priority crops in all the seven participating states and the FCT for this upcoming dry season”.
The VP described SAPZ as the agri-business model for Nigeria to diversify its economy through agriculture as well as a platform for development partners to deliver on their developmental objectives across the various SDGs.
He noted that the Nigerian government has made it a Presidential priority programme and has “kick-started the legal arrangement to institutionalize it as an agency of government for sustainability”.
Applauding their commitments to co-finance the initiative together with the Nigerian government, the VP commended the AfDB, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that SAPZ programme delivers on its objective.
Earlier, National Programme Coordinator, SAPZ, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, said the project is designed to bolster Nigeria’s agro-industrial development, boost food security, create jobs, and reduce poverty, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The primary objective is to support sustainable and inclusive agro-industrial development through four components: infrastructure development in agro-industrial hubs, agricultural productivity, policy implementation, and program management.
“For every participating state, we first identify the crop with a competitive and comparative advantage, then support production and agro processing to reduce Nigeria’s 40 percent post-harvest losses. Closing this gap can improve food security by 40 percent,” Yusuf explained.
The programme spans eight states—Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“We provide catalytic infrastructure such as power, access roads, and water treatment plants, significantly reducing operating costs for investors. This initiative not only supports agro-industries but also positions Nigeria for sustainable economic diversification,” he added.
Also, Nigeria Country Director for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Ms. Dede Ekoue noted that the SAPZ-1 had remarkable success in the states.
“We are seeing positive outcomes in Kano, where the lives of smallholder farmers and agro-industries have improved. This programme is a federal government priority, aiming to promote inclusive agro-industrialisation, enhance food security, and create jobs. Nigeria’s leadership in this sector can influence the entire continent,” she stated.
For his part, Director General of the African Development Bank Group’s Nigeria Country Office, Dr. Abdul Kamara described the SAPZ as having the highest potential to bring change to Nigeria.
“This comprehensive programme doesn’t just boost production but also creates opportunities for value addition, aligning with President Tinubu’s commitment to food security and youth employment. It positions Nigeria to leverage opportunities like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) by adding value to exports beyond national consumption,” Kamara explained.
Also, a member of Nigeria Country Office for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Mr. Daniyar Abylkhan, commended the SAPZ initiative, saying it aligns with the IsDB’s goals of addressing food insecurity and improving livelihoods.
“Based on the success of the first phase, we are committed to participating in the second phase and ensuring its continued impact,” Abylkhan noted.
Other partners present at the meeting included the Federal Ministry of Finance, World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Rural Electrification Agency (REA) among others.
Nigeria Rallies SAPZ-2 Partners To Accelerate Agro-Industrial Growth
News
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.
He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.
He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.
Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
News
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.
Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.
He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.
According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.
The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.
He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.
He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.
The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
News
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.
Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.
The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.
According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.
They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.
The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
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