FIC Report (Kaduna State) – The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Sen. Kashim Shettima, GCON performed the groundbreaking for the Kaduna State Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) at Daki-Takwas, Chikun LGA, Kaduna State.
Top personalities including the former Vice President of Nigeria, H.E. Arc. Namadi Sambo, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Environment, Mal. Balarabe Lawal Abbas, Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Eno, and the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony.
In his remarks before performing the groundbreaking, the Vice President commended the Kaduna State Government for its inclusive approach to governance and for consistently taking leadership in executing policies and initiatives, especially in the agricultural sector, The SAPZ, he said, will be a catalyst for growth and the empowerment of our people, adding that it is the foundation for agro-industrial ecosystem that will serve generations to come.
In a similar vein, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Kyari commended the Kaduna State Government for being a trail-blazer and a model for other states in Nigeria in the area of Agriculture and Food Security. The SAPZ, he said, aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and will have a catalytic effect on the economy of Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Also in his speech the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) traced the history of the conceptualization of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, pointing out that the groundbreaking today is indeed a dream come true; a major milestone that sets the stage for the transformation of the agricultural sector and empowerment of farmers and citizens of Kaduna State, and by extension Nigeria.
He commended the dedication and tenacity of our administration in the transformation of the agricultural sector, adding that the increase in our budgetary allocation for agriculture in Kaduna State from 0.1% to 10% is a clear statement of purpose and commitment.
Adesina add that Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) Project is a strategic partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Kaduna State Government, and the African Development Bank (AfDB). It is a unique government-enabled, private sector-led initiative designed to catalyze the growth of the agro-industrial sector, enhance food security, boost rural economies, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall economic growth of both Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Akinwumi explained that it will providing critical agro-industrial infrastructure and strengthening market linkages, this initiative bridges agriculture and industry, ensuring sustainable economic expansion.
He also mentioned that SAPZ is a game-changer. It is designed to integrate agricultural production, processing, and marketing by concentrating agro-industrial activities in key locations.
The Kaduna state Governor Senator Uba Sani said Agricultural Transformation Centre (ATC) in Dutsen-Wai, Kubau LGA, will provide essential infrastructure for crop aggregation, processing, and storage, particularly for key value chains such as maize, tomatoes, and ginger. Meanwhile, the Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) in Daki-Takwas, Chikun LGA, strategically located along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, will serve as a nucleus for agro-processing industries, logistics services, and export-oriented agribusinesses.
Sani also said clustering these activities, we will reduce post-harvest losses, improve efficiency, create thousands of jobs, and drive economic growth across multiple sectors.
Uba mentioned that to complement the SAPZ, we are also developing the Agricultural Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) with the support of the Afrexim Bank, a first of its kind in Northern Nigeria.
He explained that this facility will play a crucial role in ensuring that our agricultural produce meets both domestic and international quality standards.
He furthermore said providing world-class testing, certification, and quality assurance services, the AQAC will enhance Kaduna’s competitiveness in the global market, particularly under the AfCFTA framework. This means that our farmers and agro-industries will not only produce more but will produce better—meeting the highest standards required for export and premium markets.
Sani express his deepest appreciation to His Excellency, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON for honouring us with his distinguished presence and for performing the groundbreaking of this important project.
He also said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as a key pillar, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He also extend his profound gratitude to a true champion of Africa’s agricultural renaissance, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, CON, President of the African Development Bank. Your leadership and dedication to agricultural transformation have been a source of inspiration. The African Development Bank’s partnership has been instrumental in making this project a reality, and Kaduna State will forever be grateful.
He also thank the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture, and all our partners who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point.
Sani urge all stakeholders—farmers, investors, agro-processors, and policymakers—to fully embrace this opportunity. This is a collective effort, and its success depends on our commitment and collaboration. Our farmers must take advantage of the support structures we are providing to enhance productivity. The private sector must step forward to invest in value addition and agro-processing. And our young people must recognize agriculture as a viable and profitable career path, not just an occupation of last resort.
Signed:
Muhammad Gwani
HOC Kaduna(FIRC).
8th April,2024.
