By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has distributed agricultural inputs to beneficiaries of FCT Special Agro – Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ).
Speaking at the flag-off in Gwagwalada on Wednesday, the Minister of state for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud said the initiative was FCT Administration commitment to empowering farmers and agro-industrial entrepreneurs.
He said the programme has come at the time the world is grappling with an economic downturn that has far-reaching consequences on the livelihoods of communities, particularly those that heavily depend on agriculture as their primary source of income.
The Minister represented by the mandate secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development , Lawan Geidam, said the SAPZ programme is going to provide vital support to farmers to help them overcome challenging times.
Mahmoud said,”you are aware, the FCT Administration formally joined this project, facilitated by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), in 2024. SAPZ is an initiative that seeks to unlock the immense potential of the livestock subsector in the Federal Capital Territory by providing critical financing and support to drive the growth, productivity, and sustainability of the sector.
“It will foster Innovation through the injection of modern technologies and practices and strengthening Collaboration through initiatives that will unite various stakeholders to work towards a common goal”.
Presenting the overview, the project coordinator, Umma Abubakar said the Project is a transformative initiative that holds immense promise for the agricultural sector in the territory.
She explained that the Scheme is a flagship initiative designed to revolutionize agriculture in the country.
According to her, It is part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable practices, and drive economic growth through agro-industrial development.
Umma explained that the plan is designed to promote livestock value chain and concentrate industrial processing and marketing of beef and dairy.
“The SAPZ Programme interventions will also promote increased productivity, aggregation, and consistent supply of quality raw materials, value addition, market access, and private sector investment in the Beef and Dairy Value Chains with special focus on improvement of small holder farmer’s production and productivity.
“The primary objectives of the FCT SAPZ Project are to:
Enhance Agricultural Productivity: By concentrating agro-processing activities within areas of high production, we aim to maximize the efficiency and output of our agricultural sector.
“Promote Value Addition: The project focuses on the beef and dairy value chains, which have been identified for their high potential for value addition and economic impact1. Support Sustainable Development: Through the promotion of sustainable farming practices and the development of climate-adapted infrastructure, we aim to ensure the long-term viability of our agricultural sector2.
“Boost Economic Competitiveness: By enhancing the competitiveness of our agriculture sector, we aim to create jobs, reduce food import bills, and lower the prices of high-value food products
“Th Key Components are; Infrastructure Development and Agro-Industrial Hub Management: Establishing the Paikon-Kore Livestock Industrial Hub in Gwagwalada Area Council to support agro-processing activities1. Establishment of Agricultural Transformation Centres in Paikon Kore and Karshi Agricultural Productivity and Production: Implementing farm-level productivity-enhancing infrastructures in the beef and dairy agribusiness hub.
“The Agro-Industrial Hub is strategically located within the Paikon-Kore Grazing Reserve in Gwagwalada Area Council. Additionally, two Agricultural Transformation Centres are situated in the Paikon-Kore Grazing reserve and Karshi Grazing Reserve, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)1.
“The Project’s targets 15,000 direct beneficiaries and 35,000 indirect beneficiaries making a total of 50,000 beneficiaries. The targeted beneficiaries will be made up of Men, Women and Youth groups across the Six Area councils of the Territory”
