Big news for Cross River State and Nigeria’s agriculture! Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially launched the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project. This initiative is set to revolutionize the agricultural sector, boost the economy, and create tons of new jobs. Get ready for a new era of growth and prosperity!
Quick Overview of the SAPZ Project:
- What: Launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ)
- Where: Cross River State, Nigeria
- Who: Spearheaded by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Bassey Otu, and the African Development Bank (AfDB)
- Why: To boost agriculture, create jobs, and drive economic growth
- Impact: Expected to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and reduce reliance on food imports
Shettima’s Vision: A New Dawn for Agriculture
Vice President Shettima didn’t hold back his excitement, calling the SAPZ a “transformative milestone.” He emphasized that this project is a key part of President Bola Tinubu’s plan to grow the economy, ensure food security, and provide jobs. He gave props to the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other partners for making this dream a reality.
Governor Otu’s Prosperity Agenda Gets a Boost
Governor Bassey Otu is all in on this project. He believes it perfectly aligns with his administration’s plan to bring prosperity to Cross River State. Key agricultural areas like Ikom, Yala, and Obubra are set to become major hubs for agriculture and industrial expansion.
Why Cross River? Location, Location, Location!
Cross River State is strategically located, making it the perfect spot for the SAPZ. The Agro-Industrial Hub, sitting on 130 hectares, has access to crucial infrastructure:
- Calabar Seaport
- The future Bakassi Deep Seaport
- A 23MW power plant in Tinapa
- The nearby 630MW Calabar Power Plant
Plus, there are plans for rail links connecting 14 local government areas, making it easy to transport goods to and from the hub.
AfDB’s Adesina: A Vision Years in the Making
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB, couldn’t hide his joy at seeing the SAPZ come to life after years of planning. He sees massive potential for job creation, reduced food imports, and attracting serious private-sector investment.
Adesina also highlighted Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential and called for a national effort to achieve food self-sufficiency and become a major player in agricultural exports.
Massive Investment, Massive Impact
Get this: $934 million has already been pumped into SAPZs across 11 African countries, with Nigeria’s first phase covering eight states, including Cross River. Phase two? A whopping $2.2 billion investment covering 28 states!
Who Was There? A Star-Studded Event
The launch event was packed with important people, including:
- Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
- Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment
- The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V
- Top government officials, business leaders, and development partners
The Future is Bright for Cross River
The SAPZ project is more than just a launch; it’s a long-term investment in the future of Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole. With the right support and collaboration, this initiative will transform the agricultural landscape, create jobs, and drive economic growth for years to come.
