From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that Phase 1 of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone
(SAPZ) in Kaduna State would generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy.
He said this during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Phase 1 of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, at the land designated for the facility in Daki-Takwas, along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Tuesday.
The Vice President expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyze economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.
“We are not just breaking ground; we are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youths, and fulfill the economic promise of our nation.
“This is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about people. It is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone,” the Vice President said.
“Shettima noted that while the nation cannot afford to be chained to outdated systems while the world moves with urgency towards innovation, the SAPZ initiative is a strategy that “lays the foundation for real economic transformation.”
He praised the Kaduna State government for its leadership in agriculture, describing the state as a key driver of Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its abundant arable land and historical role in agricultural production
“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” he said.
The Vice President also emphasized the importance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution, noting that the SAPZ would generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy.
“The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their futures,” he said.
Shettima described the SAPZ as a “presidential priority project” and a direct response to the longstanding challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low-value addition.
Earlier, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, described the SAPZ as a strategic investment designed to accelerate industrial development across Nigeria.
“The SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic development,” he said.
Sani emphasized agriculture’s central role in Kaduna’s economy, noting that it contributes 42% to the state’s GDP and employs 60% of the state workforce.
“In the 2023 budget we inherited, agriculture received just ₦1.4 billion.
However, in 2024, we increased it to N23.4bn, and in 2025, we have approved ₦74.2bn,” he said.
Also, the President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, applauded Kaduna’s commitment to the realization of SAPZ, highlighting the significance of agricultural industrialization in the state’s economic growth.
He said, “Your passion for agriculture is impressive, and agricultural industrialization remains the fastest way to develop the vast areas of Kaduna State. It has taken us eleven years to get here, and I am delighted that we are finally here.”
Adesina revealed that the AfDB has committed over $934m towards the SAPZ program across Africa, with an additional $938m mobilized from partners.
He said the initiative is currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.
Adesina had earlier during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, said that Kaduna State is leading the way as the first to launch the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Nigeria.
He praised Governor Sani’s commitment to agricultural transformation, citing the state’s remarkable budgetary increase for agriculture, from N1.4bn to N74bn, adding that the increase is an example of political will backed by substantial investment.
“You didn’t just put your money where your mouth is—you put your money where your mind and your body are,” Adesina said, drawing applause from stakeholders and dignitaries present.
According to him, “Kaduna’s leadership on this project reflects not just a vision for food security, but a roadmap for economic prosperity and inclusive development.”
Adesina further described Kaduna as a trailblazer, noting that, “You are the first state to launch the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Nigeria. This is a great day for us all.”
The AfDB President also commended the state’s hospitality, adding that “not only did we get hospitality here in Kaduna, I think we got maternity too—because your Deputy Governor is a medical doctor.”
Adesina emphasized the AfDB’s commitment to supporting Kaduna State in expanding school feeding programs and integrating them with the new processing zones.
He pledged additional support for primary health care improvements, health insurance, and infrastructure, including water, sanitation, and digitalization.
The AfDB president added, “We’re proud to partner with a government that listens, that leads with compassion, and that is open to all.”
He described Governor Sani as “a model leader—he’s a listener, a unifier, and above all, a doer.”
Also, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history.
“This program will be a game changer. It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development. It will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem to respond favorably to the challenges of our time,” the minister said.
On his part, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, expressed deep appreciation for the project on behalf of the people of Kaduna State.
“We are indeed very grateful for this project. On behalf of the people and government of Kaduna State, we express our profound gratitude,” the royal father stated.
Dignitaries who attended the event included former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Sen. John Enoh; members of the National Assembly, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; representative of the Minister of Finance; members of Kaduna State Executive Council and State Assembly, and National Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, among others.
