The African Development Bank (AfDB), has budgeted the sum of $110 million to fund projects under the Special Agricultural Processing Zone in Kano State.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, on Sunday in Kano, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina revealed that millions of dollars would be budgeted by the bank to fund agriculture projects in Nigeria like the Special Agricultural Industrial Processing Zone in Kano.
What the AfDB boss is saying
According to a press release read by Mr Abba Anwar, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Adesina said, “In all, we are having about $563 million dedicated for our projects in various states in Nigeria.”
“We are using $110 million for our programme on Special Agricultural Industrial Processing Zone in Kano.
“The funds will be invested on rural roads, transport infrastructure, water and sanitation, and in agriculture to increase productivity.”
He added that the fund would enable the creation of job opportunities and boost rural infrastructure development.
Governor Ganduje commended the AfDB’s decision, stating, “When institutions are strengthened and individuals or groups of individuals are directly impacted, this is what we mean by genuine development.
“My dream is to promote Kano into a Mega City, which is not only a collection of population but also, a collection of an environment where things are working, where traffic flows, where health services are excellent.
“This is aimed at reducing medical tourism abroad and where you can have security using technology.”
What you should know
Recall Nairametrics reported in April 2021 that Tthe Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo revealed the FG is rolling out of the Special-Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme to commence in Ogun, Oyo, Imo, Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, and the FCT in its first phase.
Osinbajo said that the expansion and growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains a top priority of the administration, and SAPZ will play a crucial role in helping us achieve our goal of sustainability and increased trade.
Partnering with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other stakeholders, the programme will concentrate on agro-processing activities in demarcated areas to boost productivity and integrate production, processing and marketing of selected commodities.
The first phase will involve 7 states: Ogun, Oyo, Imo, Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, and the FCT. However, down the line, 140 such centres will be created across the country.
