North-West Govs Travel To Abidjan For Special Agro-Industrialisation Programme

The North-West governors have travelled to Abidjan, for a meeting on utilising the Special Agro-Industrialization Program.

The seven governors, who departed Nigeria on Wednesday, November 15, were scheduled to meet with Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

A statement by the Spokesperson of the Zamfara State governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the governors travelled to Abidjan to explore the opportunities offered by the Agro-Industrial Processing Zones program.

He added that the seven governors are of Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi States.

“The Northwest Governors will meet with Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the African Development Bank President, and his team.

“The meeting is scheduled for November 16, 2023, and will include presentations and briefings on utilising the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones program.

“The Special Agro-Industrialisation Program aims to achieve food self-sufficiency, create jobs and boost economic growth by processing raw agricultural commodities in areas with high potential.

“Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President of Agriculture, Human & Social Development at the African Development Bank, will guide the Governors on the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) and what states must do to benefit from the program.

“Prof. Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser to the AfDB President on Industrialization, will also brief the Governors on Phase I and Phase II of the program and guide for optimising the initiative by states,” Idris stated.