By Dianabasi Effiong

The groundbreaking ceremony of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Cross River State has been performed in Calabar by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He was flanked by Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River, the African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina, and other key stakeholders at the project’s unveiing on Thursday.

The project is a major step towards realising President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

It also marked a pivotal moment in the country’s agricultural and economic transformation

In his address, Vice President Shettima described the SAPZ initiative as a game-changer that aligned with the country’s aspirations for economic growth, job creation, and food security.

He commended the collaboration among the AfDB, Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, and the Cross River State Government, noting their collective efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

Shettima also emphasised that the SAPZ was important for national development, particularly in addressing food security challenges and fostering sustainable agricultural growth across the country.

Echoing Vice President Shettima’s sentiments, Gov Otu emphasized that the SAPZ project fitted perfectly to his prosperity agenda.

He expressed his confidence in the success of the project, assuring stakeholders that it would benefit agricultural regions in Cross River —including Ikom, Yala, Obanliku, and Obubra, among others.

“This project will transform the agricultural sector into key hubs for agricultural productivity and industrial growth.

“The the project is not just about the present but is designed for long-term prosperity, creating new pathways for growth and economic diversification across the state.”

The Governor pledged the full commitment of his administration to ensuring the success of the project, adding that it would provide lasting benefits for the people of Cross River.

He also emphasized the strategic location of the Agro-Industrial Hub, which spans 130 hectares and boasts critical infrastructure like the Calabar Seaport, Bakassi Deep Seaport, and a 23MW power plant in Tinapa, alongside the larger 630MW Calabar Power Plant, located 20 km away.

“The site will benefit from proposed rail links connecting 14 local government areas, including those near the Agricultural Transformation Centre in Yala, as well as the proximity to the Calabar River and an international airport—ensuring global market access for the state’s agro-industrial products.

“The the SAPZ project aligned with this administration’s focus on food security, energy sufficiency, and job creation.

AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina, lauded Otu’s leadership and commitment to transforming Cross River’s agricultural landscape.

Adesina expressed his pride in seeing the SAPZ vision come to life after years of challenges in implementation.

He also said that the economic potential of SAPZs, particularly in creating jobs, reducing food imports, and fostering private investments.

He highlighted Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, urging for a united effort to achieve food self-sufficiency and leadership in agricultural exports.

He credited the strong political will from President Tinubu, the unwavering support from Vice President Shettima, and the collaboration between key ministers as vital factors driving the success of the SAPZ initiative.

“This project is set to have a significant transformational impact, particularly in rural areas, with potential for job creation and economic revitalization through the development of modern agro-industrial hubs.

No less than $934 million has been invested into SAPZs across 11 African countries, with Nigeria’s first phase covering eight states, including Cross River.

The second phase, aimed at expanding to 28 states, will see an estimated investment of $2.2 billion,” Adesina revealed.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Sen. John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industries, Trade, and Commerce, the Obong of Calabar and Treaty King of the Efik Kingdom, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, and key private sector players and development partners.

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