Katsina joins Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Phase II
By Faith Awa Maji, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has indicated interest for his administration to join the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme’s phase II.
He made the disclosure when a team from the SAPZ African Development Bank (AFDB), and Federal Ministry of Finance visited him at Government House, to assess the state’s preparedness for the programme, led by its National Coordinator, Dr. Kabir Yusuf.
According to Radda, his administration’s decision to join SAPZ is due to its potential benefits to the state.
He announced plans to establish three farm settlement centres designed to provide agricultural training for the teeming unemployed persons in the state, noting that an enabling law has already been passed to facilitate their creation.
“The existing Songhai farms in Dutsinma and Mairowa as well as the NALDA farm at Suduje in Daura will be fully equipped to train youths in various agricultural value chains, including poultry, rabbit production, and irrigation farming.
“This initiative is aimed at combating poverty, creating jobs, and steering youth away from banditry and other poverty-related crimes.
“We are grateful for Katsina’s inclusion in the programme’s second phase.
“We are committed to fulfilling all conditions to ensure its timely launch in our state,” Radda said.
Earlier, Dr. Kabir Yusuf highlighted its potential to invigorate Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He emphasised its focus on supporting inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial growth, alongside objectives such as economic diversification and reducing the nation’s food import bill.
