Vice President, Kashim Shettima has Flagged Off Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) Project in Cross Rivers.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the country’s agricultural and economic transformation.
He Performed it alongside Governor Bassey Otu, African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina, and other key stakeholders.
Shettima, while launching the processing zone, described the project as a major step towards realizing President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further described the SAPZ initiative as a game-changer that aligns with the country’s aspirations for economic growth, job creation, and food security.
While commending the collaboration among the AfDB, Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, and the Cross River State Government, he noted their collective efforts in bringing the project to fruition.
The VP, 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 in his remarks, echoed Vice President Shettima’s sentiments, emphasizing that the SAPZ project perfectly fits his prosperity agenda.
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He expressed his 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.
Governor Otu further highlighted that 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.
He pledged the full commitment of his administration in ensuring the success of the project, stating that it would provide lasting benefits for the people of Cross River.
The Governor also spoke of 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.
He expressed his pride in seeing the SAPZ vision come to life after years of challenges in implementation emphasizing the economic potential of SAPZs, particularly in creating jobs, reducing food imports, and fostering private investments.
