African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged new financial support to scale up Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, extending its reach to 24 states across the country.
The announcement followed high-level talks between Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and AfDB President, Sidi Ould Tah, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Originally launched in seven states and the Federal Capital Territory, the SAPZ initiative is designed to boost agricultural productivity, attract private investment into agro-processing, and transform rural economies. Backed in its first phase by a $210 million AfDB facility, alongside contributions from the Islamic Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Nigerian government, the scheme is now set for a significant expansion.
Vice President Shettima welcomed AfDB’s renewed support, stressing that the initiative is central to Nigeria’s plan to diversify its economy beyond oil. He highlighted the potential of SAPZ to create jobs for youth and women, strengthen export competitiveness, and reduce the country’s dependence on food imports.
AfDB President Tah reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment, describing Nigeria’s agricultural sector as a “game-changer” for inclusive growth and industrialization across Africa. He also noted AfDB’s willingness to consider support for other Nigerian priorities, including climate resilience through the Great Green Wall project and affordable housing programmes.
Analysts say the scale-up could accelerate Nigeria’s agro-industrial transformation but caution that success will depend on strong governance, infrastructure investment, and effective integration of smallholder farmers into value chains.
With this expansion, Nigeria is positioning SAPZ as a flagship model for driving food security, rural development, and industrial growth. a step that could redefine the country’s economic landscape in the coming decade.
