The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to attract international development partners to co-finance the second phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ-2) programme.
Vice President Kashim Shettima described the initiative as a transformative step towards achieving food security, job creation, and economic diversification under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at the SAPZ-2 co-financiers meeting on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima emphasised the strategic importance of SAPZ in meeting Nigeria’s food security goals and advancing its economic agenda.
“This meeting is crucial to mobilize additional financing for phase two of the program, which will allow us to include more states beyond the initial ten earmarked,” Shettima said.
He revealed that the government has secured commitments of $600 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and $300 million from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to fund the programme.

The SAPZ initiative integrates the production, processing, and distribution of key crops and livestock. It aims to reduce Nigeria’s 40% post-harvest losses, bolster food security, and enhance economic diversification.
Phase one of the programme has already begun implementing innovative Design, Build, and Operate (DBO) models to establish processing zone infrastructure by 2025.
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Shettima noted that the SAPZ’s accelerated implementation plan for phase one and the onboarding of phase-two states will be pivotal in achieving Nigeria’s food security agenda.
“Our focus includes increasing the production and processing of cassava, rice, maize, cocoa, tomatoes, and livestock in the seven participating states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” he added.
The programme gained significant backing from global development agencies. AfDB Nigeria Country Office Director, Abdul Kamara, highlighted the program’s potential to transform Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector by creating opportunities for value addition and aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Similarly, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Nigeria Country Director, Dede Ekoue, praised SAPZ-1’s impact on smallholder farmers and agro-industries, particularly in Kano.
“This programme is a federal government priority that enhances food security, promotes agro-industrialization, and creates jobs,” she stated.
Islamic Development Bank representative Daniyar Abylkhan reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to SAPZ-2, citing its alignment with global efforts to address food insecurity.
National Programme Coordinator, Kabir Yusuf, outlined SAPZ’s infrastructure-driven approach, which includes providing power, access roads, and water treatment plants to reduce operational costs for investors.
This infrastructure is designed to position Nigeria as a hub for agro-industrial growth and sustainable economic diversification.
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Currently, SAPZ spans eight states—Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and the FCT. The initiative aims to institutionalize the program as a government agency to ensure its sustainability.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and others, all committed to advancing Nigeria’s agro-industrial aspirations.