VP Shettima flags off Special Agro-Industrial Zone in Kaduna
…declares project key to Nigeria’s economic future
By Kunle Sanni
Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched the construction of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Kaduna State, describing the project as a presidential priority aimed at industrializing agriculture and generating jobs across Nigeria.
At the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday in Daki-Takwas, Chikun Local Government Area, Shettima said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic vision to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector through innovation, infrastructure, and public-private partnerships.
“We are not just breaking ground; we are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfill the economic promise of our nation,” Shettima said. “This project is not just about structures. It’s about people — our farmers, our entrepreneurs, and our youth.”
The SAPZ in Kaduna is part of the first phase of a national rollout that includes seven other locations: Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory. The zones are designed to boost food production, reduce post-harvest losses, attract private-sector investment, and improve rural livelihoods.
VP Shettima praised Kaduna’s leadership in agriculture, calling the state a model for Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its fertile land and historical role in food production.
Governor Uba Sani echoed this sentiment, describing SAPZ as a transformational investment for Kaduna’s economy. He highlighted the state’s decision to significantly increase its agriculture budget from ₦1.4 billion in 2023 to ₦74.2 billion in 2025.
The African Development Bank (AfDB), a key partner in the program, has committed $934 million to SAPZs across Africa, with Kaduna among the flagship sites. AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who attended the event, hailed the project as a game-changer for the state’s industrial and economic development.
Agriculture Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the SAPZ as a “turning point” for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, poised to attract investment, enhance value chains, and drive rural development.
