Vice President Shettima Highlights Agricultural Transformation Potential
Vice President Kassim Shettima recently commended the collaboration between the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) program. This initiative aims to ensure the delivery of affordable energy across various centers nationwide, which is essential for bolstering agricultural productivity.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, noted that the President praised the commitment and ingenuity displayed by the REA management. He emphasized that, once fully operational, the SAPZ initiative could significantly enhance agricultural output and elevate living standards in rural communities throughout the nation.
During the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between REA and SAPZ, aimed at providing cost-effective energy solutions at SAPZ sites countrywide, Shettima stated that the agreement encompasses joint assessments, technical assistance, and energy deployment facilitated by REA’s Desert to Power (DTP) program.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) Ibrahim Hadezia, the Vice President welcomed this partnership and expressed support for ongoing collaboration to unlock the country’s full potential across all sectors, particularly in agriculture.
Earlier, Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari described the partnership with the African Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Power, through the REA, as commendable. He highlighted this collaboration as the beginning of significant advancements within the agricultural sector, given its vast growth potential.
Kyari expressed optimism that, once operational, the SAPZ would help mitigate the myriad challenges faced by farmers and stakeholders in agriculture. He underscored the program’s dual focus: bridging infrastructure gaps and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and rural residents, aligning with the government’s “New Hope” agenda.
Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Power, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the REA and SAPZ cooperation, emphasizing its dedication to achieving governmental goals in the power sector. In his address, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu highlighted the organization’s history of successfully implementing innovative projects, including 424 mini-grid electrification initiatives, with 693 more in progress across the nation.
Aliyu pointed out that the proposed SAPZ partnership aims to impact 25,000 households and 13 health facilities, benefiting over 103,000 individuals in each targeted area. SAPZ National Program Coordinator Kabir Yusuf stressed that addressing energy supply challenges is critical for the program’s successful execution across the country. He expressed confidence that the introduction of mini-grids through the REA-led initiative would enhance the economic viability of production centers, providing a reliable electricity supply to rural communities at SAPZ sites.
