…unveils Phase 1 project in Calabar

By Jimoh Babatunde 

The ground breaking ceremony for the design, build and operate of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Calabar, Cross River State  was performed by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina,  on Thursday.

The  program Development Objective  is to support inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Nigeria,  aimed at reducing food imports and diversifying Nigeria’s economy through agriculture  

Speaking at the event held along Tinapa Road , the Vice President , Senator Shettima , described the initiative as a game changer, set to boost national development and tackle food security challenges.

The SAPZ is part of a broader national initiative involving several states, including Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We gather in Calabar, Cross River State, today to breathe life into the construction of this critical special agro-industrial zone.

“This comes just three days after the groundbreaking in Kaduna State, proving that this is a promise well kept by both the federal and state governments.

“This is not merely the commencement of a flagship project but a celebration of a vision—one of agro-industrial growth and sustainable development for our country.”

While linking  the project to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Shettima expressed confidence that the initiative would create thousands of jobs and empower Nigerian youth, positioning them as active stakeholders in the economy.

“This zone will generate thousands of jobs, opportunities for young people and also empower them with skills and knowledge.” 

“In addition, this SAPZ will also enable Nigeria to diversify its economy through a sustainable source.”

Senator Shettima added “What is more exciting than the promise of a vibrant agricultural value chain is the journey towards its fulfillment.

“This gathering is one for the history books. There is no intervention more practical in realising our dream of a self-sufficient nation than maximising the potential of agriculture.

On his part, the President , African Development Bank,  Dr. Akinwumi Adesina,  said the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones will reduce food imports, conserve foreign exchange, expand production and processing of food as well  as strengthen the Naira, and attract significant private investment in agricultural value chains. 

The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is about developing new economic zones across Africa, close to where farmers are. These zones have enabling infrastructure—power, water, roads, irrigation—and today, we’re investing over $3 billion in more than 11 countries,” Adesina explained.

“The African Development Bank as you know has  been spearheading this together with our partners which includes the Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

 “We have put $934 million  from the African Development Bank with co-financing of $938 million  from these partners. “

He  outlined a financing package of $510 million for SAPZ projects in eight Nigerian states-Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, and Imo—as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

The AfDB President said for the SAPZs to survive that there is need for political will on the part of the leaders.

” Mr. President is strongly supportive of it and please give it up for the president.”

While commending the Vice President for his support,  Adesina said there most be continuity of government policies. 

” I want to thank  Governor Otu, the former governor, Governor Ayade, was the one that we started this work with and when Otu came on board, he didn’t say well that was something for the  former governor. He embraced it. He liked it. He put his ideas on it and that’s why we are here today because you’re a good governor , who does not play politics with policies.”

Adesina said “Politics is politics. Policies are policies. Let’s make sure we are not constantly reversing things. “

While calling for collaboration among the Ministries of government,  he said with the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones in Cross River State,  farms will thrive across every local governments in the state. 

“The rural areas of Cross River State will boom with economic activities and the state will mark itself out as a leading center for agro-industrialization in Nigeria.”

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, in his remarks, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging its vast agricultural potential.

He said  the establishment of a cluster of smallholder farmers in staple  and cash crops such as rice, cassava, millet, cocoa, oil palm, among others  across the state is a step towards the agro-industrial revolution. 

“Since the financial resource that accrued to the state is negligible as compared to the requirement for the establishment of a special agro-industrial processing center at the agricultural industrial hub, there is need for the private sector partnership. 

“To this end, the African Development Bank, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Government of Cross River State have formed a strategic tripartite team to drive these projects.”

 Governor Otu said to ensure the smooth operation and evacuation of finished products from the special agro-industrial processing zone, that some integrated structures have been mapped. 

“The proposed Bakassi City port, the Calabar-Obudu rail line, and the Obudu Cargo Passenger Airport will serve as a seamless corridor for food evaporation to other parts of the country. 

“For power support services, the combined 653-megawatt capacity generation between Aba Power Station and the Niger-Delta Power Station at Ikon Uyum will cater for power exigencies.”

Dignitaries present included Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industries, Trade, and Commerce among others.