Economy
AfDB To Launch SAPZ Phase 1 Project In Kaduna, Cross River April 8, 2025
AfDB To Launch SAPZ Phase 1 Project In Kaduna, Cross River April 8, 2025
AfDB to launch SAPZ phase 1 project in Kaduna, Cross River April 8, 2025. The African Development Bank (AfDB) says it will launch phase one of the $538 million special agro-industrial processing zone (SAPZ) programme in Kaduna on April 8.
In a statement on Sunday, the bank said a groundbreaking ceremony will also be held to kickstart the programme in Cross River on April 10.
“Nigeria is set to revolutionize its agricultural landscape as construction begins on the landmark Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project—a flagship initiative of the African Development Bank Group’s Feed Africa strategy,” the statement reads.
“Kaduna and Cross River States will lead this agricultural transformation, marking a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s approach to agribusiness and food security.
“The federal government of Nigeria, in strategic partnership with the African Development Bank Group and key international partners—the Islamic Development Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and Africa Grow Together Fund—will inaugurate Phase 1 Implementation of the SAPZ programme.
“This represents a bold step toward comprehensive agro-industrial development across the nation.”
SHETTIMA, ADESINA TO LAUNCH CONSTRUCTION
According to the statement, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Akinwumi Adesina, the AfDB president, will lead the initiative, officially launching construction in Kaduna and Cross River.
“With an unprecedented investment of $538 million, SAPZ Phase 1 stands as African Development Bank’s largest programme in any African country to date,” the statement said.
“The official groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled for April 8 in Kaduna State and April 10 in Cross River State—a timely intervention as Nigeria confronts mounting food insecurity challenges and seeks economic diversification.”
The statement also said the initiative embodies President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to boosting food security, creating sustainable employment, and revitalising peri-urban economies through innovative public-private partnerships.
“Leading private sector partners will spearhead the design, development, and operation of these zones, establishing a blueprint for sustainable agro-industrial growth,” it said.
“The launch will catalyse momentum for SAPZ Phase 2, with 28 additional states already positioned to join this agricultural renaissance.
“Recall that the bank raised an unprecedented $2.2 billion commitment at the recent Africa investment forum in Rabat, Morocco for the Nigeria Phase 2 SAPZ. Lessons learnt from Phase 1 will lead to a faster implementation of this next phase.”
In December 2021, the AfDB announced that its board approved a $210 million loan to co-finance phase one of Nigeria’s SAPZ programme.
The amount comprised $160 million from the AfDB and $50 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund.

AfDB To Launch SAPZ Phase 1 Project
However, in February, the bank expressed disappointment about the SAPZ implementation, describing the overall performance of the first phase of the programme as “problematic.”
According to the statement, Adesina said the programme is aimed at transforming Nigeria into a global agribusiness leader by strategically leveraging co-financing and private sector expertise.
“The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is about developing new economic zones across Africa close to where farmers are,” he said.
“These zones have enabling infrastructure—power, water, roads, irrigation—and today, we’re investing over $3 billion in more than 11 countries.”
He emphasised that transformation without agricultural transformation is incomplete “because agriculture touches the lives of people at the grassroots level”.
Economy
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku
ADC is Nigeria’s only reliable political party, others brought insecurity, hunger, says Atiku. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only reliable political party in the country, noting that others have brought insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment.
Speaking in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, during the official opening of the ADC state secretariat, Abubakar said the party is ready for a 2027 victory but urged Nigerians to unite to rescue the nation.
He also asked Taraba residents to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, adding that their participation is crucial to reversing Nigeria’s worsening hardship.
“I am in Taraba to inaugurate our new party office of the ADC, and I want you to hold the party with integrity,” Channels Television quoted Atiku as saying.
“Do not allow anybody to deceive you with any other party, because we have tasted other political parties, and they brought nothing but insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment. “The youths and women should know that we are doing this for them to have a better future, and I am holding on to their promise. “ADC will win Taraba state and win Nigeria as the only reliable political party.”

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party
Abubakar, who formally joined the ADC on Monday—17 months before the 2027 general election—said his experience across political platforms convinced him that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties lack the capacity to rescue the country.
He resigned from the PDP on July 16, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party as his reason for leaving.
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials
As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.
He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.
Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.
“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.
“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.
“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.
The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.
“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.
“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.

Ibom Deep SeaPort
On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.
Crime
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.
Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.
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