April 27, (THEWILL) – The African Development Bank (AfDB) will support Nigeria to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, as part of the quest for food security in the country.
President of the Bank and a former Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed this while briefing President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, quoted the AfDB President, to have said: “We have decided to mobilise $540 for the program. The African Development Bank has approved a total of $210 million. The Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have approved $170 million, and $160 million respectively, towards the program.”
Adesina indicated that the processing zones will initially be rolled out in seven States, including Kano, Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna, Kwara, Imo, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“I look forward, Your Excellency, to your formal launch of these Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, very soon”, he added.
President Buhari commended AfDB for being foresighted and proactive about food security on the continent, and Nigeria specifically.
About the Author
