The Federal Government has dismissed claims by the National Assembly North-East Caucus that the region was excluded from the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme.
While addressing journalists on Saturday in his office, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari clarified that not only is the North-East included, but some of its states are already participating in the second phase of the program.
Addressing the issue, the Minister emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is centered on inclusivity and national integration.
“It is crucial to correct the misconception that the North-East was excluded,” the Minister said, noting that “inclusivity is at the core of this administration, and all stakeholders are carried along in designing and implementing development programs.”
Kyari further explained that the SAPZ program, which was launched in 2022, began with Phase 1 selection based on an eligibility process. Eight states qualified, including Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and the FCT.
The selection, according to him, was based on states expressing interest and meeting the eligibility criteria after verification by a joint federal team and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
According to the Minister, the concern expressed by the North-East Caucus followed groundbreaking ceremonies in Kaduna and Cross River States.
However, he noted that these events were merely representative milestones and not indicators of regional exclusion. “The recent ceremonies simply mark visible progress, not a final list of beneficiaries,” Kyari clarified.
He further explained that SAPZ is structured as a Subsidiary Loan Agreement Program, and state participation is voluntary.
“States have to express interest and meet specific requirements. Some states have not done so,” the Minister emphasized.
Encouragingly, the agricultural Minister revealed that Phase 2 of the SAPZ program is already underway, with 27 states submitting expressions of interest.
Ten of those, he said, including Gombe, Borno, and Bauchi from the Northeast, have met the eligibility criteria and are set to benefit from the first tranche of Phase 2 onboarding.
“This proves that the North-East is not only included but actively participating in the SAPZ expansion,” he said.
The Minister also called on legislators to encourage other North-East states like Taraba, Yobe, and Adamawa to complete their application processes to benefit from upcoming tranches.
Beyond SAPZ, the Minister highlighted several ongoing agricultural initiatives in the North-East. These include subsidized inputs for 8,000 wheat farmers in Gombe, a large-scale irrigation project in Bauchi, and a farmer empowerment initiative in Adamawa featuring new housing units and training centers.
He also cited the ACReSAL project, in collaboration with the World Bank, which is restoring degraded land in the region. Gombe has already shown commitment by providing counterpart funding for climate-resilient agriculture practices.
In a move toward innovation, electric vehicle deployment and solar-powered infrastructure have begun in the Northeast, aiming to modernize transportation and stimulate green economic growth.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme is being rolled out, complete with soil testing labs to be established in the North-East.
Kyari also announced the upcoming VALUE-CHAIN – NORTH PROJECT, which targets over 456,000 farmers and prioritizes the North-East.
This initiative, co-financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to boost food security and economic empowerment.
“These are not symbolic gestures. They are real, results-driven programs designed to strengthen agriculture and build resilience, especially in regions like the North-East” he noted.
Reassuring the people of the Northeast and all Nigerians, the Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s pledge to equitable development.
“From the plains of the North-East to the riverine belts of the South-South, our mission remains national prosperity and food security,” the Minister added.
The Minister concluded by affirming that the SAPZ program and other agricultural initiatives are for all Nigerians.
He also pointed to the recently signed Green Imperative Project (GIP), which will establish Agricultural Mechanization Service Centres in all 774 local government areas, ensuring no region is left behind.