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Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, along with other governors from the Northwest have appealed to the African Development Bank (AfDB) to incorporate their areas in its phase 2 of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme.

Lawal spoke on Saturday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in a presentation he made during a meeting with the AfDB President, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina.

A press statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, explained that the SAPZ programme was aimed at ending the export of raw agricultural commodities, providing an opportunity for processing locally.

Idris noted that Zamfara missed out in the first phase of the SAPZ initiative in 2021.

The statement said, “the Northwest states, including Zamfara will experience unprecedented growth and development in the agricultural sector, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“The meeting between the Northwest governors and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has opened doors of opportunity for the seven states in the region.

“The governors of Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna informed the president of the AfDB about the significant areas in the region that require attention.

“The Governors approached the AfDB for assistance in tackling crucial challenges in their respective states, such as security, human capital development and agriculture.

“These crucial aspects are interconnected and significantly impact the overall well-being and prosperity of the people.

“Through collaboration and with the guidance and support of the AfDB, the Northwest Governors will be empowered to create safer and more conducive environment for their citizens.

“This will not only attract investments but also foster sustainable economic growth.”

“The AfDB has expressed interest in providing support to Nigeria’s North-west region.

“The Bank’s President commended the Governors for prioritising the well-being of their people.”