Following a pre-appraisal mission by the African Development Bank, Abia State has moved a step closer to joining the second phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme designed to strengthen agro processing and attract investment into agriculture across Africa.
The AfDB team, led by Dr Bernard Onzima, visited the state to evaluate its preparedness for participation in the programme’s second tranche.
According to him, the initiative focuses on addressing bottlenecks in downstream agricultural processing in eight African countries, including Nigeria.
Dr Onzima explained that the programme already commands a funding portfolio of more than $1.2bn across participating nations.
The second tranche is expected to receive $200 million from the African Development Bank alongside an additional $150 million in co-financing from the Islamic Development Bank.
He said the assessment mission was aimed at determining the readiness of participating states, with emphasis on the suitability of project sites, compliance with environmental and social safeguards and the level of private sector interest.
During the visit, the delegation inspected the proposed agro industrial hub located in Ukwa West.
Dr Onzima described the land as free of encumbrances and appropriate for the planned development.
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, who received the delegation, assured the bank of the state government’s commitment to the project.
He said the administration was willing to provide counterpart funding and the basic infrastructure required for the initiative to succeed.
The governor stated that the state would work closely with the AfDB team to understand the project requirements and ensure speedy implementation.
He also pointed out that other potential locations within the state could support similar projects in the future.
Among the areas mentioned were Ukwa East, Umuahia, Ikwuano and Ulonna, as well as rubber producing communities around Arochukwu and Abam.
Otti also expressed appreciation to the bank for its support for the Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Development project, noting that the state had already fulfilled its financial obligations under the arrangement.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, said Ukwa West was selected because of its closeness to the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park which already provides critical infrastructure that could support the proposed agro processing zone.
He added that other locations such as Bende and Ikwuano may also be considered as the programme expands within the state.
The Special Agro Industrial Processing Zones initiative is expected to generate viable investment projects, promote climate smart agricultural practices and encourage collaboration between government and private investors to drive sustainable economic development.
