Nigeria is set to roll out the second phase of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, extending coverage from eight states and the FCT to an additional 24 states, with increased support from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The expansion, announced after Vice President Kashim Shettima’s meeting with AfDB President, Sidi Ould Tah, on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, is expected to fast-track climate-resilient infrastructure and promote inclusive agro-industrial growth aimed at boosting value-added agricultural exports.
Shettima noted Nigeria’s position as the bank’s largest shareholder, with a portfolio exceeding $10 billion, and urged AfDB to deepen its investment in agriculture and agro-processing. He described the SAPZ as central to Nigeria’s economic diversification plan.
“We are poised to diversify our mono-product economy into agriculture, especially value-added agricultural exports,” the Vice President said, while also calling for expanded AfDB support for Africa’s digital economy.
He stressed Nigeria’s leadership in technology innovation, hosting five of the continent’s eight unicorns, including Moniepoint and Jumia.
Other ministers at the meeting sought AfDB collaboration in critical sectors. Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal called for funding to scale up Nigeria’s Great Green Wall Project against desertification, alongside clean cooking policies to tackle deforestation and health challenges. Housing Minister Ahmed Dangiwa requested substantial investment to reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit.
AfDB President Tah pledged to mobilise global capital for Africa’s transformation, describing the bank’s role as a catalyst for job creation, financial reform, and industrialisation through value addition to natural resources.
Earlier in New York, Shettima also held talks with St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, reaffirming Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen Afro-Caribbean cooperation. Drew welcomed closer ties to expand trade and cultural exchange between the two regions.
With the SAPZ expansion, Nigeria is positioning agriculture as the backbone of its diversification agenda while leveraging digital innovation and environmental resilience to secure long-term growth.
