August 5, 2025 — The Federal Government has confirmed that the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project will be extended to 10 additional states across Nigeria by the first quarter of 2026, in a move aimed at accelerating agricultural industrialization and boosting rural economies.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this in Abuja while addressing reporters on the progress of the initiative. He explained that the SAPZ project, which is currently being piloted in select states, has demonstrated remarkable success in linking smallholder farmers to industrial-scale processors and global markets.
“The expansion plan is part of our commitment to deepen agricultural transformation and ensure every geopolitical zone benefits from the opportunities SAPZ offers,” Senator Kyari said. “By the first quarter of 2026, 10 additional states will begin full-scale implementation, with technical and financial support from our development partners.”
The project, a collaborative effort between the Federal Government, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is designed to create agro-processing hubs with world-class infrastructure. These hubs are expected to generate thousands of jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
Senator Kyari noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the goals of food security and economic diversification. He emphasized that the SAPZ model promotes public-private partnerships, encouraging investments from both local and international agribusinesses.
So far, the SAPZ project has been operational in states such as Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna, Kano, and Cross River, with several more currently finalizing their onboarding procedures. The next phase will see the inclusion of states with high agricultural potential and readiness for value chain development.
Agricultural stakeholders and economists have welcomed the expansion plan, calling it a strategic step toward reducing Nigeria’s food import bill, enhancing agro-export potential, and revitalizing rural communities.