Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced that Nigeria has allocated $538.05 million to the initial phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program.
Speaking at the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Tuesday, Shettima highlighted the initiative’s role in enhancing agricultural output, improving rural livelihoods, and driving agro-industrial growth.
The SAPZ program, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural strategy, is being executed in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and other partners.
Shettima projected that the initiative will attract $1 billion in investments by 2027, reduce post-harvest losses by 80%, and has already created over 785,000 jobs in targeted areas.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of African youth in shaping the continent’s agricultural future, Shettima urged comprehensive efforts to harness their potential.
He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address food insecurity, noting that over 500,000 hectares of arable land have been revitalized, strategic food reserves deployed, and access to seeds and extension services expanded.
Shettima also stressed the need for security reforms to ensure safe access to farmlands for rural farmers.
He called for global partnerships to rejuvenate the Lake Chad Basin, enhance sustainable irrigation, and establish a national farm database. Additionally, he advocated for proactive measures against climate challenges, emergency school feeding programs in conflict zones, and resilience-building efforts to ensure long-term stability.
“Food security is the foundation of peace,” Shettima declared.
