Kwara And IDB Join Forces For $57.2 Million Agro-Industrial Project

News in brief:
– Kwara State and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) are partnering in a $57.3 million initiative to establish a Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project that will transform the state’s agricultural sector, enhance food security, promote sustainable farming practices, and empower local communities.
– The governor emphasised the project’s potential to significantly impact the economy, aligning with national priorities and contributing to federal government development programs.

The Kwara State Government and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) have announced a $57.3 million partnership to launch a Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project in the state.

This initiative aims to revolutionise Kwara’s agricultural sector, boosting food security, promoting sustainable farming practices, and empowering local communities. Its objectives include, enhancing food and nutritional security, promoting agro-processing and sustainable farming, and empowering rural communities.

The project aims to achieve these goals by specifically improving agricultural productivity and processing capabilities, while creating jobs, thereby increasing household incomes.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State emphasised the project’s transformative potential. He stated that it can radically impact the economy and livelihood of so many ‘Kwarans’. Furthermore, he highlighted the SAPZ’s alignment with national priorities, contributing to the federal government’s economic and social development programs.

Already, there are several ongoing broader national efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and address food security concerns. The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Toyosi Thomas-Adebayo, noted that the initiative declares that the government was in this for impact.

Meantime, the newly inaugurated state steering committee, led by Governor AbdulRazaq, will provide strategic direction and policy guidance for the project’s implementation. State SAPZ Coordinator Busari Toyin Isiaka also underscored the committee’s crucial role in ensuring the project’s success.