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Nigeria Rallies SAPZ-2 Partners To Accelerate Agro-Industrial Growth

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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

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BOSEPA Concludes 2024 Sanitation Exercises with Stern Warning and Commendations

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BOSEPA Concludes 2024 Sanitation Exercises with Stern Warning and Commendations

By: Our Reporter

The Borno State Ministry of Environment, led by Dr. Juliana Bitrus, Permanent Secretary, and Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, General Manager of BOSEPA, concluded the final sanitation exercise for 2024 with a strong warning to defaulters on 7th November 2024.

The team supervised the sanitation vanguard in Maiduguri and its environs, ensuring compliance with sanitation regulations.

During the exercise, Dr. Bitrus and her team inspected various markets and locations in Maiduguri and its environs, ensuring compliance with sanitation regulations. The team issued stern warnings to defaulters, including the three chairmen of Tasha Kangaluya Market, who were cautioned to comply with sanitation regulations or face legal consequences.

Dr. Bitrus thanked the trade unions operating in the markets for their cooperation, which contributed to the success of the exercise.

Additionally, bean cake sellers along Roadside were taken to the sanitation court for engaging in illegal activities and neglecting to clean their environment.

The exercise was commended by Alh. Musa Goma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, who thanked individuals and clubs for their continued support. He called on other clubs and associations to participate in the sanitation exercise to help make Borno cleaner and more peaceful.

Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar, General Manager of BOSEPA, emphasized the importance of proper waste management, warning against dumping refuse into drainages and waterways. He announced that those found guilty would face legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution.

Suleiman expressed his gratitude to the Executive Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State House of Assembly, the state Executive council, Clubs/Association and all other individuals who contributed to the success of the exercise throughout the year.

The sanitation supervisory team also witnessed key officials such as the General Manager of BOTMA, Engr Babashehu Tijjani, and other senior members of the Ministry of Environment and security personnel.

Shortly after the exercise the team visits Borno State Environmental Sanitation Court, where they discussed potential reviews of environmental laws with the judge.

BOSEPA Concludes 2024 Sanitation Exercises with Stern Warning and Commendations

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Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team

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Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Yobe state government, through the office of the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, has received a reputable consulting team who were engaged to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and technical designs for the successful implementation of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) project in the state.

The SSG who received the team on behalf of the state government highlighted three priority areas identified by the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, to be handled under the project.

He articulated the three key areas to include: infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, which were strategically selected to improve the livelihoods and promote the economic growth of the citizens.

While making his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government has called on the consultant to justify the conference reposed on them by the government.

Earlier speaking, State Focal Person BADEA, Idriss Mohammed Yaro Gumsa, told the SSG that consultants were in Yobe for the past couple of days as he took them round for a sightseeing visit to some of the proposed project sites.

Also, as part of the mandate for the consultants visit to Yobe, the state government conducted a high-level stakeholder engagement aimed at preparing necessary requirements for securing alternate financing to drive sustainable development and enhance the quality of lives of Yobe communities through funding from  BADE.

The session chaired by the SSG, represented by the Hon. Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha Geidam, was meant to deliberate on the technical aspect of the project proposal.

“Under agriculture, the proposed initiatives include supporting 20,000 smallholder farmers across the 17 LGAs of the state with essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, including solar-powered water pumps and hand-push tillers, among others.

“Establishing 50 small-scale irrigation schemes in Yobe State to facilitate year-round crop production, targeting over 14,000 individual beneficiaries.

According to him, the focus for infrastructure development in the project involves the construction and rehabilitation of 253 kilometers of rural and urban roads across the state.

Others include drilling and installing 200 hybrid solar-powered boreholes in urban-rural communities, boarding secondary schools and primary healthcare centers, as well as construction of 200-bed capacity hostels in the designated tertiary institutions across the three senatorial districts.

While the energy sector intends to provide solar and renewable energy solutions for boarding schools, specialist hospitals, healthcare centers, and modern markets and promote energy efficiency through advanced technologies and practices.

He urged the consulting firm to work in line with the state government’s priorities and ensure due diligence in the conduct of their assignment.

Meanwhile, in his presentation on the overview of the BADEA project in Yobe, the State Focal Person, Idriss Mohammed Yaro, highlighted the deliberate efforts made by the Yobe state government towards attracting the BADEA project, which include an official visit to the Arab Bank’s headquarters in Riyadh by our leader and people-oriented governor, His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON.

The consultant assured the government of their commitment to deliver the assignment according to standard specifications.

Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team

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Zulum felicitates with CEO Matrix Ltd, Alhaji Adisa at 50

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Zulum felicitates with CEO Matrix Ltd, Alhaji Adisa at 50

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has felicitated with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Limited, Alhaji Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

Governor Zulum in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, described the celebrant as a distinguished philanthropist whose commitment to education support, job creation, and equal opportunities has left an indelible mark on society.

The governor further lauded Alhaji Aliu’s ingenuity as an entrepreneur who has taken the Matrix Group to the apex of its business, thereby creating jobs in the process for the teeming unemployed youth in the country.

“Let me join family, friends, and associates to celebrate you as you turn 50,” Governor Zulum stated. “Indeed, you have positively impacted the lives of many. Happy 50th birthday.”

He expressed gratitude to Allah (SWT) for Alhaji Aliu’s good health, strength, and longevity while urging him to remain steadfast in his values and service to humanity.

Zulum felicitates with CEO Matrix Ltd, Alhaji Adisa at 50

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