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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
Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction Incident in Plateau, Move for Peaceful Resolution
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have intervened in a reported farm destruction incident in Lamingo village, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:10 a.m. on May 3 when troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 12), Lamingo, responded to a distress report of cattle grazing within the compound of one Mrs. Shittu Yakubu.
The sources disclosed that upon arrival, the troops intercepted the cattle, while the herder fled the scene on sighting security personnel.
According to the sources, the owner of the cattle, identified as Alhaji Mamuda Ibrahim, has since been contacted to facilitate an amicable resolution of the incident.
They added that the situation was brought under control without further escalation.
The sources noted that efforts are ongoing to strengthen community engagement and prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the area.
Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction Incident in Plateau, Move for Peaceful Resolution
Troops Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Kogi After Pursuit of Abductors
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued five kidnapped victims following a swift response to a kidnap incident along the Okpella–Okene Road in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:43 a.m. on May 3 by troops of 195 Battalion (Reinforced) deployed at Forward Operating Base Okpella.
The sources disclosed that the troops, while on night patrol, responded to a distress call indicating that a vehicle had been attacked and its occupants abducted.
According to the sources, the troops immediately pursued the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bush.
They added that five victims were successfully rescued during the operation, while two of them sustained injuries.
The injured victims were evacuated to the ENAW Dialysis Centre for medical attention, while others were stabilised.
The sources noted that follow-up operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities along the axis.
Troops Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Kogi After Pursuit of Abductors
Where Justice Mark Chidiebere Crossed the Line
By Zagazola Makama
The recent arrest and handover of Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, to the Department of Security Services has sparked predictable debates about free speech, accountability, and the limits of online activism. But beneath the noise lies a more serious issue one that goes beyond blogging and into the sensitive terrain of national security.
From available details, the turning point was not mere criticism of the military. Democracies tolerate, and even benefit from, scrutiny of their institutions. The red line appears to have been crossed when private conversations between the blogger and serving soldiers suggested alignment around “change of government.” In any country, that phrase, especially when involving active-duty personnel is not taken lightly. No professional military, whether in Nigeria or elsewhere, would ignore such signals once credible evidence emerges.
The Nigerian Army’s response, therefore, should be viewed through that lens. This is an institution that has, in recent months, remained alert to internal and external threats, including failed attempts by rogue elements to destabilise the system. When a civilian is perceived rightly or wrongly to be encouraging disaffection or coercing soldiers within the ranks, it triggers an entirely different category of concern. At that point, it is no longer about opinion, it becomes a question of discipline, cohesion, and national stability.
This is where many content creators must draw a hard lesson. The digital space is not a vacuum. Conversations especially with uniformed personnel carry consequences. Amplifying unverified allegations, engaging soldiers in sensitive political discussions, or projecting narratives that could be interpreted as incitement can quickly move from advocacy into dangerous territory. The line is not always visible, but it is very real.
There is also the broader issue of responsibility. Too often, fragments of internal grievances are pushed into the public domain without context or verification, feeding a cycle where the military is portrayed only through its shortcomings. While criticism is legitimate, a pattern of reckless amplification erodes public confidence and, more importantly, can embolden hostile actors who thrive on internal discord.
If indeed the conversations attributed to Justice Mark Chidiebere reflect attempts to influence serving soldiers toward political ends, then the response by authorities was not just expected; it was inevitable.
What we must all know is that freedom of expression does not extend to actions that could undermine the stability of the state. In an era where a single message can travel faster than any bullet, knowing where the line is and choosing not to cross it has never been more important.
Where Justice Mark Chidiebere Crossed the Line
Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction Incident in Plateau, Move for Peaceful Resolution
Troops Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Kogi After Pursuit of Abductors
Where Justice Mark Chidiebere Crossed the Line
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