Plateau Selected To Participate In AfDB Special Agro-Industrial Programme

Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang’s strategic engagements have started yielding fruit following the state’s selection to participate in Phase Two of the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme.

Consequently, the AfDB delegation announced the good news during a visit to Governor Mutfwang at the Twin Theatre, New Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

Governor Mutfwang who was visibly delighted at the development, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector to boost the economic prosperity of the people of Plateau State.

The governor commended the AfDB team for its presentation and assured that his administration would facilitate private sector involvement in the implementation of the SAPZ programme in the state.

He stated that the administration’s agricultural policy aligns with the AfDB’s vision of enhancing the production and export of crops and vegetables.

Meanwhile, earlier, the AfDB’s team leader, Dr Chuma Ezedimma, said  the bank had allocated $1.9 billion for the SAPZ programme, which is being implemented across 11 countries to strengthen agricultural economic initiatives.

He noted that although Plateau State is one of the eight states poised to benefit from the first tranche of Phase Two, it must submit a comprehensive resettlement plan for all hubs, with a particular focus on gender sensitivity in the management team.

Dr Ezedimma explained that the SAPZ initiative is part of a broader strategy in Nigeria aimed at driving agricultural industrialisation.

The programme seeks to establish designated zones where agribusinesses can operate efficiently, benefiting from infrastructure, services, and policy support. While the first phase was implemented in seven states, Plateau is now among the 27 states set to benefit from Phase Two.

Plateau State’s Agriculture Development Programme (PADP) manager, Ishaku Jilemsham, presented the state’s preparedness to embrace the SAPZ initiative.

He outlined five areas of comparative advantage which include crop production, vegetables, fruits, cereals, and livestock.

According to him, the state requires over $142 million to realise its ambitious agricultural renaissance, with three hubs at Heipang, Shendam, and Mangu highlighted as focal points.

The state commissioner for agriculture, Samson Bugama, who also spoke at the event, said the SAPZ initiative aligns with the state government’s vision of transforming agriculture into a viable engine for economic growth.