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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
Bandit kill police operative, cart away service weapon in Bukuyum in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
A mobile police operative attached to Operation Restore Peace has been killed in an ambush by armed bandits in Adabka village, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 11:44 a.m. when the officer, deployed from Mopol 15, Ilorin, left his duty location in Adabka en route to Tibis village to purchase essential supplies.
Security sources in Bukkuyum told Zagazola that the operative was attacked at the outskirts of Adabka by armed bandits concealed in the surrounding bushes.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the officer, killing him instantly before carting away his service riot gun.
“Field teams deployed to the scene recovered the body of the fallen operative, which was evacuated to Adabka Primary Health Care Centre for documentation,” the source said.
Sources said that the mode of attack aligns with operational tactics used by bandit factions linked to the Dan-Karama Gwaska and Dansadau networks, known for precision ambushes and rapid withdrawal.
Bandit kill police operative, cart away service weapon in Bukuyum in Zamfara
GSU’s Public Administration Dept hosts maiden int’l conference
Stakeholders comprising academics, policymakers, security experts and public-sector practitioners have deliberated ways of tackling insecurity in the country through a multi-faceted approach that includes economic empowerment, improved governance, and enhanced security cooperation.
They made the submission during the maiden International Conference organised by the Department of Public Administration, Gombe State University (GSU).
The conference was declared open on Tuesday by Prof. Sani Ahmed Yauta, the Vice Chancellor of the institution who stated that any engagement aimed at proffering solutions to the security challenges of the country was an engagement borne out of the need to fast-track national development and stability.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Danladi Umar, Yauta urged participants to leverage the conference to contribute to ongoing efforts at addressing security challenges so as to enhance peace and development in the country.
In his keynote address, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Secretary to the Gombe State Government, linked good governance to enhanced security and national development.
Njodi stressed that good governance remained a critical tool to earning citizens’ trust needed to maintain peace and to strengthen development across the country.
He stated that discourse around Nigeria’s governance had become imperative in view of the current security challenges confronting the nation and threatening national development.
He stressed the need for subnational governments to drive national development, adding that they have massive roles to play in determining Nigeria’s progress.
“It is the aggregation of subnational experiences—state successes and failures—that ultimately determines Nigeria’s trajectory.”
Njodi cited the Gombe State governance model and how it had contributed to improvement in human capital development as well as the development of the state and therefore resulting in the peaceful status that the state had enjoyed under Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State’s leadership.
“The state’s development trajectory under Gov. Yahaya offers a practical demonstration of how visionary leadership, institutional innovation and participatory governance can transform a subnational entity within Nigeria’s federal system.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Public Administration Department, Prof. Matthew Funsho Bello, described the event as historic for both the department and the university.
Bello said that the conference’s theme, “Governance, Insecurity and National Development in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges,” was timely given the complexities of the nation’s socio-economic and security challenges.
“This gathering of distinguished scholars, public-sector experts, policymakers and practitioners from across the country marks a major milestone in our collective quest to address the vexing issues affecting our national life,” he said.
According to him, the theme reflects “the urgent need for academia, security agencies and public-sector experts to engage in constructive dialogue on how addressing insecurity and governance can drive sustainable development in Nigeria.
Security experts amongst other professionals made their presentations during the conference which are expected to form part of the recommendations at the end of the two-day event.
Dr Lawal Abdullahi Oladimeji, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Conference, lauded all participants and invited guests for the success of the maiden event.
Oladimeji said that recommendations from the conference would be given to relevant stakeholders towards enhancing national security and development.
GSU’s Public Administration Dept hosts maiden int’l conference
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Twenty-one persons have been abducted by suspected bandits in three villages of Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the coordinated attacks occurred in Sundu, Biresawa and Masaurari villages.
According to community members, two women were taken from Sundu, while five women and two children were abducted at Biresawa.
In Masaurari, nine men and one woman were reportedly seized, bringing the total number of abducted persons to 21 comprising nine men, eight women and two children.
The Police Command in Kano confirmed the attack noting that efforts had been intensified to rescue all victims unhurt.
The sources added that additional operatives had been deployed to the affected axis, while the area was being combed in collaboration with local vigilance groups and other security agencies.
The command assured residents of its commitment to restoring peace and urged the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
Troops neutralise Lakurawa bandit, recover motorcycles in Kebbi
Bandit kill police operative, cart away service weapon in Bukuyum in Zamfara
GSU’s Public Administration Dept hosts maiden int’l conference
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