The Federal Government has secured an enhanced funding commitment from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to launch the second phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Monday via his official X handle, following a bilateral meeting with AfDB President Dr. Sidi Tah on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He explained that Phase 2 of the SAPZ project will scale up climate-resilient infrastructure and drive inclusive agro-industrial growth across 24 additional states—expanding beyond the eight states and the Federal Capital Territory covered in the first phase.
Shettima emphasized that the programme is central to Nigeria’s strategy to diversify its mono-product economy by boosting value-added agricultural exports.
“As the AfDB’s largest shareholder with a portfolio of over $10 billion, we appeal for stronger support. You assisted us with $300 million in Phase 1, but like Oliver Twist, we are asking for more because we are committed to transforming agriculture into a driver of export-led growth,” he said.
Launched in 2022, the SAPZ initiative is a flagship AfDB programme in partnership with the Federal Government, state governments, and development partners. The first phase—implemented in the FCT, Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, and Oyo—was backed by a $300 million AfDB facility.
That phase created agro-industrial hubs to attract private sector investment, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen commodity value chains, and improve market access for smallholder farmers, while also creating jobs for youths and women.
With Phase 2 now set to cover 24 more states, the initiative is expected to deepen Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, boost food security, promote export diversification, and strengthen the country’s role in regional and global food supply chains.
