SAPZ Initiative Launches, Albeit Falling Short of Presidential Promise

President Muhammadu Buhari's Next Level manifesto included a pledge to establish Special Production and Processing Centers in every senatorial district, with the aim of fostering economic growth and agricultural sector development. In line with this vision, the government introduced the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative. The SAPZ program, launched on October 24th, 2022, intends to create special agro-industrial processing zones nationwide, boosting agricultural productivity and generating employment opportunities.

The first phase of the SAPZ program focuses on seven states (Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, and Oyo), along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This phase, which is co-financed by various development partners, including the African Development Bank ($210 million), the Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development ($310 million combined), is backed by a total funding of $538.05 million. Additionally, the Nigerian government is contributing $18.05 million to the program.

Promise: Next Level of 109 Special Production and Processing Centres (SPPCs) to spur production and value additive processing & Tractors and Processors Plan in Each Senatorial District Extra Jobs Created

‍

Despite the program's initial success, it falls short of the president's promise to cover all 109 senatorial districts. As it currently stands, the launch of SAPZ has been limited to a smaller number of states and the FCT. Consequently, this promise is regarded as a "COMPROMISE." The completion date for the SAPZ program, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, is expected to be in December 2028.