Kaduna Begins Construction of Special Agro-Processing Zone
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday laid the foundation for the construction of Kaduna State Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) at Daki-Takwas in Chikun local government area of the state.
The Syndicate reports that the project was an initiative of Kaduna State Government in partnership with the Federal Government and African Development Bank to transform agriculture into a high-value economic sector.
The event attracted personalities including former Vice President Namadi Sambo, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal Abbas, Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Eno, and the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
In his remarks, Shettima commended Kaduna State Government for its inclusive approach to governance and executing policies and initiatives, especially in the agricultural sector.
He said that the SAPZ will be a catalyst for growth and the empowerment, as well as foundation for agro-industrial ecosystem that will serve generations.
On his part, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security said that the agric processing zone will serve as a model for other states in Nigeria, adding that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his speech, Adesina traced the history of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, pointing out that the groundbreaking was a dream come true and a major milestone that sets the stage for the transformation of the agricultural sector and empowerment of farmers and citizens of Kaduna State and by Nigeria.
He commended the dedication and tenacity of the state administration in the transformation of the agricultural sector, pointing at the increase in budgetary allocation from 0.1% to 10% as a clear statement of purpose and commitment by the state.
The SAPZ is a strategic partnership between the state, Federal Government, and the AfDB. It is a unique government-enabled, private sector-led initiative designed to catalyze the growth of the agro-industrial sector, enhance food security, boost rural economies, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall economic growth of both Kaduna State and Nigeria.
By providing critical agro-industrial infrastructure and strengthening market linkages, the initiative is expected to provide a bridge for agriculture and industry to ensure sustainable economic expansion.
According to Governor Uba Sani, it is designed to integrate agricultural production, processing, and marketing by concentrating agro-industrial activities in key locations.
“The Agricultural Transformation Centre (ATC) in Dutsen-Wai, Kubau LGA, will provide essential infrastructure for crop aggregation, processing, and storage, particularly for key value chains such as maize, tomatoes, and ginger.
“Meanwhile, the Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) in Daki-Takwas, Chikun LGA, strategically located along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, will serve as a nucleus for agro-processing industries, logistics services, and export-oriented agribusinesses.
“By clustering these activities, we will reduce post-harvest losses, improve efficiency, create thousands of jobs, and drive economic growth across multiple sectors.”
The governor said to complement the SAPZ, the administration is developing an Agricultural Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) with the support of the Afrexim Bank, a first of its kind in Northern Nigeria.
“This facility will play a crucial role in ensuring that our agricultural produce meets both domestic and international quality standards. By providing world-class testing, certification, and quality assurance services, the AQAC will enhance Kaduna’s competitiveness in the global market, particularly under the AfCFTA framework.
“This means that our farmers and agro-industries will not only produce more but will produce better—meeting the highest standards required for export and premium markets,” Sani said.
He urged all stakeholders—farmers, investors, agro-processors, and policymakers—to fully embrace this opportunity, because its success requires collective efforts and collaboration.
“Our farmers must take advantage of the support structures we are providing to enhance productivity. The private sector must step forward to invest in value addition and agro-processing. And our young people must recognize agriculture as a viable and profitable career path, not just an occupation of last resort.”
