Kaduna State SAPZ Advocacy Visits: Building Partnerships for Transformation through Agriculture
The Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has taken a major step forward in the implementation of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program, following a series of advocacy visits across the eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the Program, strategically located around the Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) in Chikun and the Agricultural Transformation Centre (ATC) in Kubau LGAs of the state.
The advocacy visits, led by the SAPZ Kaduna Program Implementation Unit (PIU), was aimed at deepening awareness, encouraging stakeholder buy-in, and laying the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable implementation of the SAPZ initiative. LGAs visited during the advocacy campaign include Chikun, Kajuru, Kachia, Kagarko, Kubau, Ikara, Soba, and Lere.
The SAPZ Program is designed to revolutionize agriculture by moving from subsistence farming to a market-driven value chain approach. With project milestones already recorded since its launch in 2022 and operations commencing in 2024, the program aims to attract over $200 million in investments, create up to 20,000 direct and 100,000 indirect jobs, and enhance food processing and rural industrialization in Kaduna State.
Speaking during the advocacy sessions, the State Project Coordinator (SPC), Mal. Abbas Sani, emphasized that “the advocacy visit is a cornerstone in ensuring inclusivity and preparing our host communities for the economic opportunities SAPZ will unlock.” Key highlights included the role of the AIH in Chikun—spanning 250 hectares equipped with core infrastructure such as a power plant, fire station, and R&D center, and the ATC in Kubau, designated as a sorting center for key crops like maize, tomato, and ginger.
Each advocacy meeting was opened by the respective Local Government Chairmen or their representatives, who warmly welcomed the SAPZ team and pledged support to the program. For instance, Engr. Salasi Nuhu Musa, Chairman of Chikun LGA, requested that at least 30% of SAPZ’s investments benefit Chikun residents. In Ikara LGA, the Chairman, Hon. Bashir Mamman expressed his long-standing involvement in agricultural initiatives, stating that “Ikara produces Kaduna’s best hybrid maize, and this program fits perfectly with our goals.”
Notably, local leaders from all LGAs expressed optimism about the opportunities SAPZ brings, while also raising critical questions on implementation. Issues such as the role of traditional leaders, registration of cooperatives, youth involvement, mechanization, and equitable resource allocation were openly discussed. SAPZ officials addressed each concern, emphasizing that contract farming, input support, and mechanized services would be accessible without requiring collateral.
Furthermore, the Knowledge Management and Communications Officer (KMC) of the Program, Mrs. Rose Ndandok, highlighted that sensitization campaigns are scheduled as a follow-up to the advocacy visits, and will focus on mobilizing farmers, women, and youth. These community engagements are vital for educating stakeholders on their roles, rights, and benefits under the SAPZ framework.
Meanwhile, the Gender and Social Safeguards Officer, Haj. Zainab Aliyu reaffirmed the program’s commitment to ensuring at least 50% participation of women in all activities. The State Agricultural Productivity Officer (SAPO), Mr. Apollos Agaji also announced targeted support for smallholder farmers through fertilizer distribution, training on SMART agriculture and improved seed access, while other PIUs took turns in providing briefs on their components.
Feedback from the field revealed a shared eagerness among communities to participate actively in SAPZ, as well as a clear demand for capacity-building and value-chain integration. Participants also underscored the need for sustainable mechanisms to continue the project’s impact beyond its official duration, while key next steps include immediate commencement of sensitization activities in each LGA, mobilization of traditional leaders and cooperatives, roll-out of youth and women training programs, continued monitoring of participation metrics and community feedback as well as deployment of mechanized services upon full operationalization of the ATC.
As the SAPZ Program continues to gain momentum in Kaduna State, the importance of local government collaboration and community inclusion cannot be overstated. The advocacy visits have laid a strong foundation of trust, partnership, and shared responsibility.
In the words of Hon. Muhyiddeen Abdullahi Lawal, Chairman of Kagarko LGA, “With the land, the people, and now the program in place, our communities are ready for the transformation SAPZ promises.”
The SAPZ Kaduna team remains committed to ensuring transparency, community empowerment, and economic revitalization across its host LGAs, as it sets the pace for agricultural industrialization not just in Kaduna State, but across Nigeria.
