The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative is set to generate approximately 50,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years, with women comprising 40% of the beneficiaries.
This announcement was made by Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), during the launch of agricultural input distribution for the FCT SAPZ project.
Represented by Mr. Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mahmoud emphasized the significance of agriculture in ensuring food security and driving economic growth.
She highlighted the project’s role in addressing challenges like climate change and market access through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
The SAPZ project, backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to transform rural areas into economic hubs by enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
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As part of the first phase, 5,000 crop and livestock farmers will receive vital resources, including seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
Hajia Umma Abubakar, SAPZ Project Coordinator in FCT, noted that the initiative would also focus on promoting the livestock value chain, potentially revolutionizing agriculture in Nigeria and creating numerous job opportunities.
