The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is a strategic initiative aimed at revolutionising Nigeria’s agricultural sector and enhancing food security. By integrating farming, processing and distribution, the Zone has the potential to transform the nation’s food production and preservation system, BLESSING OKOLA writes.
The FCT Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone can become a model for agricultural development in Nigeria thereby enhancing food security and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
The Zone’s focus on processing and preservation can significantly reduce food waste, which is a major contributor to high food prices in the FCT and the entire country. It would be recalled that the absence of efficient food production, processing and preservation is one of the factors affecting food price inflation in the country.
By preserving perishable goods, the Zone can help ensure that more food reaches the market thus reducing scarcity and prices.
Earlier, in an interview with the FCT- Special Monitoring and Evaluation, Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) Officer, Dr. Omole Olateju, said the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project aims to support existing institutions like ADP to achieve its objectives.
He said, the federal government has created industrial hub and transformation centers in Paiko and Kashi in the Federal Capital Territory
According to him, the hub will process agricultural products, focusing on beef and dairy. Processors will be present, and the hub will produce milk, beef, and other meat products conforming to international standards for export.
He noted: “These centers will aggregate raw materials from farmers, ensuring a sustainable supply chain for the hub. The centers will play a vital role in producing high-quality raw materials.
He revealed that the hub will add value to local products, making them exportable and conforming to international standards.
Omole informed that the transformation centers will provide farmers with necessary information to improve production, enhancing their capacity to supply high-quality raw materials which the project will greatly contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth by promoting agricultural development, creating jobs, and increasing export earnings, he said.
He explained that they are already training farmers across the six area councils in federal capital Territory.
Also, The Ruler Institutions Development Secretariat Officer, FCT-SAPZ, Muhsin Gambo Lawal, emphasised the need for farmers to shift from traditional pest control methods to more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches such as crop rotation, biological control; cultural controls were also highlighted as effective ways to manage pests without harming the environment.
He explained that “the project aims to support smallholder farmers within host communities by establishing Agricultural Transformation Centres and Agricultural Industrial Hubs. To ensure the success of these centers and hubs, we need to build the capacity of smallholder farmers to enhance their productivity.
“As part of our intervention, we are providing training on integrated pest management (IPM) to smallholder farmers. The goal of IPM is to minimise inputs and maximize outputs, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilisers”.
According to him, farmers often spend excessive amounts on inputs, including pesticides, which can be toxic to crops, the environment, and human health. IPM training teaches farmers alternative techniques such as cultural, mechanical, biological, and sanitation methods to reduce costs and contamination.
“We have conducted IPM training sessions in Kashi and Payko, with positive responses from farmers. A total of 242 farmers have been trained, and we plan to extend the project to other states in the future. Our approach includes building the capacity of extension service providers and facilitators to ensure sustainability and scalability.
“We have trained 121 farmers in Karshi and another 121 in Paiko Gwagwalada reserves, covering 16 host communities. Our training programs are designed to equip smallholder farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their productivity and contribute to the success of the Agricultural Transformation Centres and Agricultural Industrial Hubs,” he said.
The Vice Chairman, Lugbe Zone 9 community under Kabusa Ward, Mr. Michael Ogwuche, in an interview, said increasing agricultural productivity and processing capacity can lead to a surge in food availability. This increased supply can help stabilize prices, making food more affordable for Nigerians.
Mr. Michael said the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) program in Nigeria is a timely initiative that can significantly contribute to the country’s food security and economic growth. With Nigeria’s rich agricultural background, this programme can help boost crop production, reduce post-harvest losses, and create employment opportunities.
“Given our experience in agriculture, states like Benue known for yam production, and others can benefit from modern storage facilities and agro-processing hubs. The lack of preservative units has led to scarcity and high prices due to demand. This programme can address these challenges”, he said.
According to him, SAPZ programme will positively impact the economy, reduce food inflation, and create jobs in various sectors, including security, logistics, and supervision. With job creation, people can diversify their employment opportunities, ultimately boosting the agricultural sector.
“This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). With an estimated cost of $575 million, the programme is supported by international partners like the African Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development”, he said.
Also, he explained that “the SAPZ programme has the potential to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector, enhance food security, and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.”
According to him, the agricultural sector is a vital area for Nigeria’s economic growth which the federal government should focus on developing it, adding that with the country’s reliance on oil, diversifying into agriculture can provide opportunities for those not involved in the oil sector.
“Nigeria has various agricultural products like cocoa, rubber, cotton, dates, ginger, and alligator pepper that can be boosted through strategic planning”, he said.
He suggested that establishing hubs in six geopolitical zones can facilitate food storage, management and distribution, ensuring nationwide availability. This approach can also create employment opportunities and help curb social vices among youth.
“With hubs in different zones, the federal government can maximise its resources, ensuring food supply across the country. This system allows for targeted support and efficient management”, he said.
He urged government to also create centers for export commodities like dates, ginger, and alligator pepper, saying with this, Nigeria can increase its export earnings.
He also used the federal government to concentrate hubs in areas with high crop production, allowing farmers to supply their products to these centers. The government can then manage exports and sales.
“The federal government can control exports, ensuring coordinated sales and pricing. This approach can help track statistical growth and inform future planning”.
He concluded that by implementing this system, Nigeria can boost its economy, create jobs, and increase its global competitiveness.
In the same vein, Mr. Folarin said, “considering the significant post-harvest losses we’ve experienced over the years, this initiative is a step in the right direction”.
He pointed out that “the programme will help reduce post-harvest losses and the prevalence of adulterated food products. With government oversight, we can expect improved processing and labeling of food items from designated zones. To ensure accountability, we need to establish mechanisms to monitor and regulate food products from these zones.
“Regarding food prices, it’s essential to acknowledge that rising costs are a global issue, driven by factors like climate change, inflation, and more. While this initiative may not directly lower food prices in Nigeria, it will help minimise post-harvest losses and ensure consumers have access to quality food products”.
He concluded by saying “Ultimately, this initiative will promote food safety and quality, enabling people to make informed choices about what they eat”.