Launched in 2022, the SAPZ initiative is reportedly an AfDB flagship program in collaboration with the Federal Government, state governments, and development partners.
With the support of a $300 million AfDB financing, its initial phase was carried out in the Federal Capital Territory and seven states: Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, and Oyo.
During that era, agro-industrial hubs were built with the goals of boosting market access for smallholder farmers, lowering post-harvest losses, and luring private sector investment.
Along with increasing food security and strengthening value chains in important commodities, it also generated thousands of jobs for rural communities, especially for women and young people.
The project will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, encourage export diversification, and establish the nation as a major player in regional and international food supply chains, according to the Federal Government, which plans to expand the second phase to 24 additional states.
In order to raise millions of Nigerians out of poverty and create sustainable jobs, Shettima emphasized that the government is concentrating on developing climate-smart, investment-ready agro-industrial zones.
