By Hosea Parah, Abuja
Kaduna State has made history by becoming the first in Nigeria to launch the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at boosting agricultural transformation and economic prosperity. This milestone was announced during a visit by the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, to the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Tuesday.
Dr. Adesina commended Governor Uba Sani for his commitment to agricultural reform, highlighting the state’s significant increase in its agricultural budget from N1.4 billion to N74 billion. He called this financial boost a clear demonstration of political will backed by real investment, stating, “You didn’t just put your money where your mouth is—you put your money where your mind and your body are.”
The AfDB president further praised Kaduna for being a pioneer in the SAPZ project, noting that it reflected not only a vision for food security but also a comprehensive roadmap for economic growth and inclusive development. “This is a great day for us all,” he said, referring to the state’s leadership role in the initiative.
The SAPZ is part of a broader strategy to address Nigeria’s agricultural challenges, particularly in rural areas, by creating processing zones that will add value to agricultural produce and generate jobs. Dr. Adesina emphasized the AfDB’s ongoing commitment to supporting Kaduna, particularly in expanding school feeding programs, improving primary healthcare, and enhancing infrastructure.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani praised Dr. Adesina as “a blessing to Nigeria, Africa, and humanity,” acknowledging the transformative work he has done for agriculture across the continent. The Governor also reflected on the success of Dr. Adesina’s E-wallet initiative, which has benefited over 15 million smallholder farmers, particularly in Northern Nigeria, contributing to agricultural growth and financial inclusion.
Governor Sani reiterated the importance of agriculture to Kaduna’s economy, stating that it contributes about 42% of the state’s GDP and provides 60% of its employment. He also highlighted how insecurity has hindered agricultural development and emphasized that the increased budget allocation for agriculture was aimed at addressing these challenges.
Through the launch of the SAPZ, Governor Sani hopes to drive forward the state’s agricultural potential, which will significantly contribute to both economic growth and job creation. The SAPZ, as an essential part of this vision, aims to transform Kaduna into a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
Dr. Adesina also expressed his admiration for Governor Sani’s leadership, calling him “a model leader—he’s a listener, a unifier, and above all, a doer.” The partnership between the AfDB and Kaduna State is expected to bring substantial benefits, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, health, and agriculture, ensuring a brighter future for the state and the nation as a whole.