The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity infrastructure for the Phase I Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones across Nigeria.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the implementation of the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda by ensuring that Agro-Industrial Hubs (AIHs), Agro-Transformation Centres (ATCs), and related value chain facilities under the SAPZ Programme have access to dependable and environmentally sustainable energy solutions.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in joint planning, technical assessments, renewable energy deployment, investment mobilization, capacity building, and policy alignment. It also seeks to accelerate the integration of renewable energy technologies, including solar hybrid mini-grids, biomass, and other innovative power solutions to improve productivity, reduce operating costs, and enhance the competitiveness of agro-industrial investments.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, described the partnership as a timely intervention that would strengthen Nigeria’s drive towards sustainable agricultural industrialization and rural economic development.
The Minister noted that reliable and sustainable electricity is fundamental to unlocking the full potential of agro-industrial processing, reducing post-harvest losses, attracting private investment, and creating employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
He commended both the SAPZ Programme and the Rural Electrification Agency for forging the strategic partnership and urged them to move beyond the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by working diligently to achieve its objectives.
“This collaboration comes at a very critical time in our nation’s agricultural transformation journey. I urge both the SAPZ Programme and the Rural Electrification Agency to commit their expertise, resources, and collective energy towards achieving the objectives of this partnership. The success of this collaboration will not be measured by the signing of the agreement alone, but by the tangible impact it delivers to farmers, agribusinesses, rural communities, and the Nigerian economy,” the Minister stated.
Senator Kyari further emphasized that the partnership is fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly the administration’s priorities of achieving food security, expanding energy access, promoting value addition, creating jobs, and accelerating economic diversification.
“By integrating sustainable energy into agro-industrial infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for resilient agro-industrial ecosystems that will improve productivity, strengthen food security, attract investments, and contribute significantly to national economic growth,” he added.
Also speaking, the National Programme Coordinator of the SAPZ Programme, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, described the agreement as a strategic milestone in advancing Nigeria’s agro-industrialization agenda.
“Reliable electricity is the backbone of modern agro-industrial development. This partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency will provide the energy infrastructure needed to unlock private sector investment, improve agricultural value addition, create employment opportunities for women and youth, and strengthen food and nutrition security across participating states,” Dr. Yusuf said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to supporting productive economic activities through sustainable energy solutions.
“The Rural Electrification Agency is committed to expanding access to reliable electricity in ways that stimulate economic growth. Our collaboration with the SAPZ Programme will deploy innovative renewable energy solutions that support agro-industrial processing, improve rural livelihoods, and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals,” he said.
Under the partnership, both institutions will jointly develop power infrastructure master plans for SAPZ sites, undertake technical feasibility assessments, mobilize financing from public, private, donor, and climate finance sources, and build institutional capacity for efficient energy management.
The SAPZ Programme, implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security with support from development partners, is transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector by establishing integrated agro-industrial processing zones that connect farmers to markets, attract private investment, reduce post-harvest losses, and generate sustainable employment.
The Rural Electrification Agency, established under the Electricity Act 2023, is responsible for accelerating electricity access to unserved and underserved communities through grid, mini-grid, and off-grid solutions.
The collaboration underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to integrating agriculture, energy, and industrial development as catalysts for inclusive economic growth, food security, rural transformation, and the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shehu Babangida
Knowledge Management and Communication Expert
Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Abuja, Nigeria
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