Nigeria has committed $538.05 million to the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
SAPZ is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods, and promoting agro-industrialisation across Nigeria.
The vice-president noted that the programme is being implemented in collaboration with the African Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Islamic Development Bank, and other development partners.
According to Shettima, “The initiative is projected to attract $1 billion in total investments by 2027, reduce post-harvest losses by 80 per cent, and has already generated over 785,000 jobs across targeted regions.”
Speaking further, he stressed the role of young people in shaping the future of Africa’s food systems.
“African youths are holding the key to the continent’s agri-food future and thus, no stone should be left unturned in mobilising this greatest asset,” he said.
As part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s food production system, Shettima said the federal government had reactivated over 500,000 hectares of arable land.
He added that the Tinubu-led administration had deployed strategic food reserves and expanded farmers’ access to seeds and extension services.
He also linked food production to national security, stating the need for reforms that would enable farmers to work their lands without fear.
He called for international collaboration to recharge the Lake Chad Basin, scale up sustainable irrigation systems, and build a national agricultural database.
Other priority actions highlighted include anticipatory response to climate shocks, school feeding initiatives in conflict-affected areas, and broader resilience-building strategies to ensure food system stability and long-term peace.
“Food security is the trust anchor of peace,” Shettima said.
