The Abia State Government has promised the African Development Bank (AfDB) to ensure the successful implementation of the second tranche of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme in the state.

Governor Alex Otti gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the AfDB pre-appraisal mission team, led by Mr. Bernard Onzima, at his residence in Isialangwa South. 

The Governor pledged that the state would provide the necessary counterpart funding and complementary infrastructure, including access roads and electricity, to guarantee the project’s viability and sustainability.

The SAPZ initiative is designed to tackle downstream agro-processing challenges and de-risk private investment. 

Mr. Onzima explained that the programme, valued at over $1.2 billion across participating African nations, seeks to transform agriculture from subsistence farming into a high-value, industrialised agribusiness. 

Tranche 2 of the programme targets eight Nigerian states with a $200 million AfDB facility, bolstered by an expected $150 million co-financing package from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Governor Otti informed the delegation, which is currently inspecting the proposed hub in Ukwa West, that Abia possesses vast arable land and several viable locations in Ukwa East, Ikwuano, Umuahia, Bende, and Arochukwu. 

He emphasized that the state is ready to leverage these resources to improve food security, create jobs, and reduce the country’s dependence on food imports.

Source: Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria