The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, describing it as a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening food security, creating jobs, driving industrialisation and transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.
Speaking at the SAPZ Mid-Term Review Workshop held in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi said the programme remains central to the administration’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity promote value addition and advance economic diversification.
According to Ogunbiyi, the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme is strategically designed to unlock the enormous potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector by establishing integrated processing hubs close to areas of production.
He explained that the initiative would help reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access for farmers, attract private sector investments and enhance the competitiveness of agricultural commodities in both domestic and international markets.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the programme is expected to stimulate rural development, create employment opportunities for youths and women and increase incomes for farmers and other actors along the agricultural value chain.
He further stated that the Mid-Term Review Workshop provided stakeholders with an opportunity to assess progress recorded so far identify implementation challenges and develop practical solutions to ensure the successful execution of the programme.
Ogunbiyi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with development partners state governments and the private sector to ensure the effective delivery of the SAPZ initiative and maximise its impact on food security and economic growth.
The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme is one of the Federal Government’s key interventions aimed at transforming agriculture into a modern market-driven and industrialised sector capable of contributing significantly to national development and reducing dependence on imports.
