Kogi State Government is set to establish a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo confirming the state government’s readiness to meet all necessary requirements.
A statement signed by Ismaila Isah – Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi State Governor, said the announcement came during a meeting on Friday with a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The SAPZ project is a collaboration between the AfDB, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Kogi State Government. It aims to attract substantial foreign and domestic private sector investment into the state.
Governor Ododo revealed that 254 hectares of land have been allocated in Ukpake, Ajaokuta Local Government Area for the agro-industrial zone.
He emphasized the strategic location of the site, which benefits from proximity to essential resources including water, electricity, gas, a railway line, and the proposed international cargo airport in Adogo.
The governor assured the visiting delegation of Kogi State’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the SAPZ, aligning with his administration’s industrialization policy and efforts to ensure food security through agricultural investment.
Governor Ododo highlighted the expected benefits of the agro-industrial processing zone, including increased productivity, market access for farmers, and job creation for the state’s population. He praised the AfDB for its initiative, noting that it would enhance job creation and food security in both Kogi State and Nigeria.
Dr. Bashir Ibrahim Gaya, leading the AfDB delegation, stated that the assessment tour was to evaluate the readiness of states for the second phase of SAPZ establishments in Nigeria, part of a broader initiative implemented in 18 African countries. He noted that the first phase, covering seven states including the Federal Capital Territory, has already commenced.
State Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Ashiru Idris, assured the delegation of the political will to realize the project.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, highlighted that the proposed facility would be supported by a reliable supply of raw and semi-processed agricultural products from the state’s Agricultural Transformation Centres in Alape, Anyigba, and Osara.
The SAPZ in Kogi is expected to process a variety of agricultural products, including maize, cassava, rice, palm oil, cashew, sugarcane, and fish, furthering Governor Ododo’s vision of transforming Kogi State into an agro-industrial hub.
