FG Positions Agro-Processing Zones as Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Economic Growth
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
Nigeria is ramping up efforts to industrialise its agricultural sector as the Federal Government declares the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme a key driver of food security, job creation, and economic transformation.
This was contained in a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and signed by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Head of the Department of Information.
Speaking at a meeting of the Federal Inter-Agency Technical Committee on SAPZ in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, described the initiative as a strategic model for agricultural industrialisation and sustainable development.
“The SAPZ Programme is a model for agricultural industrialization, food systems transformation, and sustainable economic development in Nigeria,” Ogunbiyi said.
He explained that the initiative is designed to reduce post-harvest losses, boost productivity, attract private investment, and create sustainable jobs, particularly for youth and women.
According to him, the programme will establish integrated agro-industrial hubs equipped with critical infrastructure such as roads, power, water supply, storage, logistics systems, and processing centres located near high-production areas.
“It will transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape by moving the country from exporting raw commodities to agro-industrial processing, value addition, and market-driven agricultural development,” he stated.
Ogunbiyi further revealed that the programme is jointly financed by the Federal Government in partnership with the African Development Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and Islamic Development Bank, alongside state governments and private sector stakeholders.
“The SAPZ Programme presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to reposition agriculture as a business-driven and industrialised sector capable of driving national development and increasing global competitiveness,” he added.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in achieving food security, economic diversification, and rural industrialisation.
“SAPZ is not merely an infrastructure project; it is a strategic platform for transforming rural communities into centres of economic prosperity and industrial growth,” Ogunbiyi said.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of strong collaboration among government agencies, development partners, and private investors for successful implementation.
In her remarks, the Director of the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects, Iluromi Adebola, described the programme as a critical intervention for value addition and private sector-driven growth.
“The SAPZ Programme remains a strategic intervention aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through value addition, agro-industrialization, and rural economic development,” she said.
Also speaking, the National Programme Coordinator, Kabir Yusuf, said the initiative would attract private investment into agro-processing and unlock opportunities for increased exports and rural development.
“The programme is designed to support inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development while reducing Nigeria’s food import bill,” he stated.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to providing policy coordination, technical leadership, and an enabling environment to ensure the successful implementation of the SAPZ Programme nationwide.
