Vice President Kashim Shettima says the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme will transform Nigeria’s agriculture sector, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

Speaking through the Minister of Agriculture at the SAPZ groundbreaking ceremony in Ijaiye, Ibadan, Shettima said the initiative goes beyond infrastructure it aims to process raw farm produce into finished goods, raise farmers’ incomes, and attract investment.

“This is about transforming agriculture into a business that works for everyone farmers, processors, and the economy,” he said.

The programme supports President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and involves key partnerships with the AfDB, IFAD, and IsDB.

Expansion Plan

SAPZ will expand to 27 more states, starting with 10 in early 2026, pending financing.

Shettima described SAPZ as a game-changer for food security, rural development, and Nigeria’s place in global agricultural markets.