Nigeria Spends Over 500 Million Dollars On Agro Zones Program

Nigeria has invested over $538 million into the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced during a UN food systems summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The SAPZ program aims to boost agricultural output, improve rural communities, and drive agro-industrial development across the country. It is being carried out in partnership with global development institutions including the African Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the Islamic Development Bank.

The federal government said the initiative is expected to attract up to $1 billion in investments by 2027. So far, it has reportedly helped create more than 785,000 jobs and significantly cut post-harvest losses in key agricultural zones.

The Tinubu-led administration has also committed to strengthening food security nationwide. According to Shettima, more than 500,000 hectares of farmland have been restored, with additional efforts in place such as increased distribution of seeds, extension services, and the release of food from strategic reserves.

Security around farmlands is also a top priority. The vice president stressed that reforms in the security sector are crucial to ensure that farmers can safely access their lands without threats or violence, especially in rural regions.

In addition to these efforts, Shettima urged global collaboration to restore the Lake Chad Basin and expand irrigation systems. He also proposed a national database for farms and called for preventive strategies to cushion the impact of climate change on food production.

He further recommended school feeding programs in conflict-hit areas and stronger resilience efforts to ensure long-term food stability.