NIGERIA – The Nigerian government has inaugurated the Kwara State Steering Committee for the implementation of the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), a multimillion-dollar project aimed at enhancing food and nutritional security in the region.
Supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and counterpart funding from the state government, SAPZ is a US$57.2 million initiative.
The initiative is designed to promote agro-processing, and sustainable farming, improve household incomes, and foster job creation in rural agricultural communities, with a special focus on youth and women.
According to Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, governor of Kwara state, the project has the capacity to radically impact the economy and livelihood of so many Kwarans.
“As such, it is immensely important to me as the governor of Kwara State and chairman of the State Steering Committee. The SAPZ project aims to support inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development in Kwara State.”
He highlighted the initiative goals that included increasing household incomes, fostering job creation in rural agricultural communities,enhancing food and national security, supporting economic and social development programs of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and contributing to rural infrastructure development.
He also noted that the Steering Committee, inaugurated to provide oversight to the project at the state level, is tasked with strategic direction and policy guidance.
Members of the committee include key state officials such as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Commissioner for Finance, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Commissioner for Water Resources, Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Commissioner for Works, Commissioner for Energy, and the State Project Coordinator for SAPZ who also serves as the secretary.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Toyosi Thomas-Adebayo, assured the governor of the committee’s dedication and commitment to the success of the project.
Busari Toyin Isiaka, state SAPZ coordinator explained that the steering committee has the responsibility of strategic direction and policy guidance for the project.
He said SAPZ currently involves eight states, but the trio of Kwara, Kano, and Abuja are funded by the IsDB, while the rest are financed either by AfDB or IFAD.
“Nigeria continues to tackle its major economic and development challenges. Specifically, however, the country needs to reduce dependency on oil and diversify the economy. This is the major reason for SAPZ, and the project has a lifespan of five years.”
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