Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday in Kaduna State performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Phase I of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ).
The SAPZ is part of a larger national programme, with Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among states in the first phase of the project.
Aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through innovation, private-sector investment, and strategic public partnerships, the zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand rural economic opportunities.
Addressing dignitaries and stakeholders at the vast expanse of land designated for the facility in Daki-Takwas, along Kaduna -Abuja, Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, VP Shettima described the SAPZ as a “presidential priority project” and a direct response to the longstanding challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low value addition.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyze economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.
“We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfil the economic promise of our nation.
“This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about people. t is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone,” the Vice President said.
Embracing Innovation
VP Shettima stated that while the nation cannot afford to be chained to outdated systems while the world moves with urgency towards innovation, the SAPZ initiative is a strategy that “lays the foundation for real economic transformation.”
He praised the Kaduna State government for its leadership in agriculture, describing the state as a key driver of Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its abundant arable land and historical role in agricultural production.
“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” he said.
The Vice President also stressed the importance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution, noting that the SAPZ would generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy.
“The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures,” he said.
Partnership
The SAPZ programme is being implemented with support from international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Strategic Investment
Also speaking at the event, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described the SAPZ as a strategic investment designed to accelerate industrial development across Nigeria.
He said, “The SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic development.”
Governor Sani emphasised agriculture’s central role in Kaduna’s economy, saying it contributes 42% to the state’s GDP and employs 60% of the state workforce.
“In the 2023 budget we inherited, agriculture received just ₦1.4 billion. However, in 2024, we increased it to ₦23.4 billion, and in 2025, we have approved ₦74.2 billion,” he said.
Commitment
Also, President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, applauded Kaduna’s commitment to the actualisation of SAPZ, highlighting the significance of agricultural industrialization in the state’s economic growth.
He said, “Your passion for agriculture is impressive, and agricultural industrialization remains the fastest way to develop the vast areas of Kaduna State. It has taken us eleven years to get here, and I am delighted that we are finally here.”
Dr. Adesina revealed that the AfDB has committed over $934 million towards the SAPZ programme across Africa, with an additional $938 million mobilised from partners.
He said the initiative is currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.
Also, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history.
“This programme will be a game changer. It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development. It will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem to respond favourably to the challenges of our time,” the Minister said.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, expressed deep appreciation for the project on behalf of the people of Kaduna State.
“We are indeed very grateful for this project. On behalf of the people and government of Kaduna State, we express our profound gratitude,” the royal father stated
