he Federal Government has taken a significant step to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector by convening a high-level dialogue at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Country Office in Abuja.
The meeting aimed to expedite the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ-1) Programme.
During the event, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasized the initiative’s potential to transform agriculture into a key driver of economic growth and industrialization.
Director of Information and Public Relations Muhammed Manga in a statement indicated that the dialogue brought together key stakeholders, including state government representatives, private sector players, and development partners, to address challenges and enhance progress in agricultural transformation.
“The SAPZ-1 programme is crucial for boosting domestic production, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty,” Minister Edun stated, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the federal government and private sector in achieving these goals.
The initiative is supported by international development financiers such as AfDB, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with its first phase being implemented in seven states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Edun underscored the urgency of the programme, linking successful wet and dry season harvests to the goals of controlling inflation and stabilizing the exchange rate. “Our immediate priority is to ensure that food production meets the needs of Nigerians while laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth,” he added.
The Minister also noted the necessity of temporary imports to fill immediate gaps in food supply but stressed that these measures should not disrupt ongoing efforts in domestic farming and food processing.
The workshop featured discussions with prominent figures, including Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director General of the Nigeria Country Department at the AfDB.
The focus was on overcoming obstacles to ensure all stakeholders align their efforts to meet the ambitious objectives of the SAPZ-1 programme.
With SAPZ-1, Nigeria aims to unlock its agricultural potential, drive economic growth, and enhance food security, which could have significant implications for the nation’s economic stability and future prosperity.