The African Development Bank (AfDB) has lauded the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his administration’s commitment to advancing agriculture and food security, as Kogi State looks set to benefit from the Bank’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.

This was disclosed during a high-level policy dialogue in Abuja organised by the AfDB to deepen conversations around access to finance, youth and women empowerment and agribusiness development across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, disclosed that Kogi and Ogun were the only states specially invited to the dialogue, describing the gesture as an indication of AfDB’s recognition of the reforms and investments undertaken by the administration of Governor Ododo in the agricultural sector in the state.

He noted that the State Government has already initiated discussions with the AfDB to fast-track Kogi’s inclusion in the next phase of the SAPZ programme, expected to commence in 2026.

He added that a virtual meeting is being scheduled to finalize outstanding requirements between the state government and the AfDB.

In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive agribusiness development.

He also announced the recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), with ₦1.5 trillion to support youth and women-led agro-enterprises, emphasizing the role of SAPZ in unlocking value chains and strengthening Nigeria’s food security and agricultural sustainability systems.

Senator Kyari added that strategic states like Kogi, which have shown political will and clear agricultural policy direction, are well positioned to benefit from the SAPZ scheme and other national and multilateral interventions.

Also speaking at the event, Special Adviser to the President of the AfDB on Stakeholder Engagement, Ms. Lola Visser, commended the Kogi state government for its strides in agricultural development and expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum of youth involvement in sector.

She stressed the need to improve access to credit and support mechanisms for young agro-entrepreneurs.

According to her, over 200 youth have been mentored under her initiative but access to financing remains a major hurdle.

She noted that the dialogue was aimed at closing gaps through collaboration with financial institutions.