By Muhammad Mamman
Vice President Champions Agro-Industrial Hubs as Cornerstones of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
In a bold move to transform Nigeria’s economic landscape, Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector, positioning it as a catalyst for growth and national pride. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Ijaiye, Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, on Saturday, Shettima outlined a vision to harness Nigeria’s agricultural potential for sustainable prosperity. The Vice President was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.
A Transformative Vision for Nigeria’s Future
The Ijaiye Agro-Industrial Hub, a flagship project under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme, marks a pivotal step in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Shettima described the initiative as more than an infrastructure project—it’s a powerful statement of intent to convert Nigeria’s rich agricultural resources into value-added products that drive industry, create jobs, and empower farmers.
“This is a decisive stride towards a resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous Nigeria,” Shettima declared. “The SAPZ initiative reflects our commitment to forging a future where agriculture fuels economic growth and global competitiveness.”
A Collaborative Powerhouse
The SAPZ programme is a strategic partnership between the Federal Government, state authorities, and leading international bodies, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB). Shettima praised this collaboration as a testament to Nigeria’s resolve to leverage global expertise and capital for sustainable development. “This unity and innovation signal Nigeria’s readiness to embrace best practices for growth and social inclusion,” he noted.
The Vice President revealed ambitious plans to expand the SAPZ programme across all 36 states, with the AfDB set to onboard 27 additional states in phases, starting with 10 by the first quarter of 2026. This expansion aims to bolster local economies, empower agro-processors and farmers, and position Nigeria as a formidable player in global markets.
Oyo State Leads the Charge
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, hailed for his visionary leadership, underscored the hub’s role in boosting the state’s economy. The Ijaiye hub is the third established under his administration, following those in Fashola and Eruwa. Makinde announced plans for three additional agro-industrial hubs in Ipapo, Iresa, Adu, and Ilora, reinforcing agriculture as a cornerstone of Oyo’s revenue and economic strategy.
AfDB’s Robust Support
Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB, was lauded as a “continental champion” of the SAPZ initiative. Adesina revealed that the AfDB has invested $934 million in SAPZ development across Africa, with an additional $938 million mobilised to support their rollout. This substantial backing underscores the transformative potential of agro-industrial zones in driving economic progress.
A Commitment to Transformation
Shettima reaffirmed President Tinubu’s steadfast dedication to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s transformative agenda. “This is about building a Nigeria where agriculture not only feeds the nation but fuels its growth,” he said. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive future.”
Final Note: With the Ijaiye Agro-Industrial Hub, Nigeria takes a bold step towards an agricultural revolution, blending local ambition with global expertise to unlock economic potential and national pride.
