Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria has committed $538.05 million to the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme.

Mr Shettima said this on Tuesday at the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

SAPZ is a flagship initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods, and accelerating agro-industrialisation.

The vice-president explained that the programme was being implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Islamic Development Bank, and other key development partners.

“The initiative is projected to attract $1 billion in total investments by 2027, reduce post-harvest losses by 80 per cent, and has already generated over 785,000 jobs across targeted regions,” he stated.

Shettima added that African youths were holding the key to the continent’s agri-food future and thus, no stone should be left unturned in mobilising this greatest asset.

He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity, adding that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had reactivated over 500,000 hectares of arable land. He added that Mr Tinubu’s government had deployed strategic food reserves and expanded access to seeds and extension services.

Mr Shettima also reiterated the importance of security sector reforms to ensure farmers can access their lands safely and continue food production in rural communities.

Additionally, he called for international collaboration to recharge the Lake Chad Basin, expand sustainable irrigation systems, and establish a national agricultural database. 

He also advocated anticipatory action to climate shocks, emergency school feeding programmes in conflict-affected areas, and resilience-building initiatives to secure long-term stability.

“Food security is the trust anchor of peace,” Mr Shettima stated. 

(NAN)