The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme in Kano State has inaugurated the Multi-Stakeholder Agribusiness Forum (MAF) and elected its pioneer officials to fast-track the operationalisation of the initiative across the state.
The forum, officially established on September 17, 2025, draws inspiration from the Commodity Alliance Forum model implemented by the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), an IFAD-assisted project operating in several Nigerian states. The model has proven effective in strengthening collaboration among value chain actors, improving market linkages, enhancing access to finance and inputs, and promoting technology adoption for increased efficiency and profitability.
Caretaker officials for the forum were elected on September 18, 2025, with Ahmed Tijjani of Gerawa Rice Mills Ltd emerging as Chairman, and Ali Idris Kura of Apex Chairman Kura LGA as Vice Chairman. Other elected members include Ismail Wakil (Secretary, Bagwai Sonkowa Farmers Organisation), Rabiatu Mohammed (Assistant Secretary, Meru Tudun Women Farmers Association), and Hassan Yaro Sani (Financial Secretary, Mafa Rice Mills Ltd).
Additional officials are Amina Mohammed Sani (Treasurer, Mix-Condiments Ltd), Habibu Sule (Legal Adviser, Pelican Oils Ltd), Abdulrahman Ibrahim (PRO I, Groundnut Farmers Organisation), Hafsat Abdulhamid (PRO II, Wanzau Women Farmers Association – Kura Rice FO), Sadiq A. Sadiq (PRO III, Chiromawa Tsare Mata B Rice FO), and Danjuma Jatau (Auditor, Development Exchange Centre).
Speaking at the inauguration, Aminu Iliyasu, the SAPZ State Programme Coordinator, described MAF as a strategic platform designed to unite policymakers, private sector investors, value chain actors, and development partners to co-create solutions, align government policies, and drive investment across the agricultural value chain.
Representing the National Programme Coordinator, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, the National Rural Institutions and Development Officer, Mr. Abel Ameh, emphasized that MAF is not just another committee but a “centre for coordination, dialogue, and innovation,” ensuring every stakeholder contributes to shaping the agro-industrial future of Kano State.
Also speaking, Dr. (Mrs.) Olubunmi Oluromi, Director of the Federal Department of Development Partners Projects, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Kano with technical assistance and guidance in resource mobilization for sustainable agricultural growth.
The Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, represented by Permanent Secretary Alhaji Bashir Sanusi, said the establishment of MAF aligns with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s vision to create an enabling environment for investment, sustainable agriculture, and livelihood improvement.
Chairman of the Kano State House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim Karaye, pledged legislative backing through enabling laws and oversight functions to ensure the sustainability of the SAPZ and MAF initiatives.
Other dignitaries in attendance included representatives of the Commissioner for Commerce, Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (Kaninvest), and chairmen of SAPZ catchment local government areas.
