The Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched a seven-year Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme to support the agro-processing value chain in seven states.
SAPZ is an Africa Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank assisted programme designed as a tool for creating integrated agricultural focused platforms that will accelerate private sector investment in value added agro processing to unlock opportunities for improved food security, job creation, import substitution, rural poverty reduction and increased contribution of agriculture to national GDP.
Speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari who was represented by the Director, Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU), Musa Bukar said the programme aligned with the national priority of Agro-Food System Transformation, the NATIP and the presidential emergency declaration on Nigeria’s food security and Nigeria sustainable agenda.
Also speaking, the Country Director, IFAD Nigeria, Mrs Dede Ekoue said the fact that the launch coincided with the World Food Day and the International Day of the Rural Women reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural development, rural and food systems transformation.
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On his part, Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf who was represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Musa Suleiman Shanono said in line with the project objectives, his administration has ordered the rehabilitation and renovation of institutions, which include poultry, livestock, fisheries, irrigation, farm mechanisation and entrepreneurship development institutes, hence, the elevation of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector into a new height of excellence for local, regional and global food markets.
The implementing seven-year programme will have seven participating states namely; Kano, Imo, Kaduna, Cross River, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun states.
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