FG did not exclude North-East from SAPZ – Minister Kyari
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has dismissed claims that the North-East was excluded from the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, saying the region remains actively involved in the initiative.
Speaking at a recent briefing in Abuja, Kyari emphasized that inclusivity is central to the SAPZ programme and that no region has been sidelined. “It is crucial to correct the misconception that the North-East was excluded,” he said. “All stakeholders are carried along in the programme’s design and implementation.”
He explained that the SAPZ programme, launched in 2022, began with Phase 1 involving eight states—Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and the FCT—selected based on interest and eligibility verified by a joint federal team and the African Development Bank.
The Minister noted that concerns from the North-East Caucus followed recent groundbreaking ceremonies in Kaduna and Cross River, which he clarified were symbolic milestones and not signs of exclusion. “They simply mark progress, not a final list of beneficiaries,” he said.
Kyari stressed that SAPZ is a voluntary programme, and state participation depends on expressing interest and meeting set criteria. He revealed that 27 states have applied for Phase 2, including 10 from the North-East, such as Gombe, Borno, and Bauchi, which have met the requirements.
“This proves the North-East is not only included but actively participating in the SAPZ expansion,” he added. He urged the North-East Caucus to encourage governors of Taraba, Yobe, and Adamawa to re-engage with the programme to meet the eligibility criteria.
Kyari also highlighted the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, which includes governors from all geopolitical zones to ensure no state is left behind in agricultural and food security efforts.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to nationwide inclusion in all agricultural programmes, adding, “The goal is to ensure the full participation of all tiers of government and guarantee no state is excluded.”
