By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Vice president of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, alongside Governor Bassey Otu, African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina, and other key stakeholders, has flagged off the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project in Cross River State, describing it as game-changer for economic revival.
Vice President Shettima said the SAPZ flag off ceremony held on Thursday, April 10th, 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the country’s agricultural and economic transformation, as it is a major step towards realizing President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
VP Shettima in an address, described the SAPZ initiative as a game-changer that aligns 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.
He emphasized that the SAPZ would serve as an important catalyst for national development, particularly in addressing food security challenges and fostering sustainable agricultural growth across the country.
Governor Bassey Otu echoed Vice President Shettima’s sentiments, emphasized that the SAPZ project perfectly fits his prosperity agenda.
He expressed confidence in the success of the project, assuring stakeholders that it will benefit agricultural regions in Cross River including Ikom, Yala, Obanliku, Obubra, and others by transforming them into key hubs for agricultural productivity and industrial growth.
The Governor spoke on 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.
AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina passionately addressed the gathering, praising Governor Otu’s leadership and commitment to transforming Cross River’s agricultural landscape.
“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. A $934 million has been invested into SAPZs across 11 African countries, with Nigeria’s first phase covering eight states, including Cross River. A second phase, aimed at expanding to 28 states, will see an estimated investment of $2.2 billion,” Adesina revealed.
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