Northwest Nigerian Governors Seek AfDB Support In Agriculture, Security

***News in brief:

• Governors from the northwest region of Nigeria seek assistance from the AfDB to address key development challenges in areas such as agriculture, security, and human capital.
• They particularly highlighted the need for inclusion in the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone program, expressing optimism that the bank's support would spur unprecedented growth in the agricultural sector and contribute to Nigeria's overall economic transformation.*** Governors from Nigeria's northwest region have appealed to the African Development Bank (AfDB) for assistance in addressing critical development challenges in their respective states. The governors, representing Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna, met with AfDB President Akinwunmi Adesina in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to discuss the region's pressing needs in agriculture, security, and human capital development. Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal specifically requested the AfDB's inclusion of his state in Phase 2 of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) program. The SAPZ initiative aims to transform the region's agricultural sector by promoting local processing of raw commodities, thereby adding value and creating employment opportunities. Governor Lawal's spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, expressed optimism that the AfDB's support would foster unprecedented growth and development in the region's agricultural sector. He added that this would contribute significantly to Nigeria's overall economic transformation. About the outcome of the meeting, Idris claimed that it has opened doors of opportunity for the region, with the AfDB showing its willingness to provide assistance. Furthermore, the governors explained how security, human capital development, and agriculture were connected, emphasising their profound impact on the region's well-being and prosperity. They sought the AfDB's expertise and resources in addressing these critical areas, recognising the bank's potential to not only attract investments but also create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. The collaboration between the northwest governors and the AfDB holds promise for addressing the region's development challenges and fostering sustainable economic growth. Meanwhile, the bank's commitment to supporting the region's development efforts underscores its dedication to empowering African communities and driving progress across the continent.