This was stated by vice president Yemi Osinbajo, when he represented President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday at the Official Launch of the Special
“The Nigeria Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme is a government-enabled and private sector-led initiative that will to mobilize private sector investment to develop value chains for selected strategic crops and livestock in the Participating States.
In the first phase, the VP noted that the programme is expected to achieve significant milestones, including reducing the country’s current food import bill through Import Substitution, boosting revenue from agricultural exports, creating wealth for rural farming communities, and creating new sustainable jobs, especially for women and youths.
On the opportunities that AfCFTA will offer, the Vice President said the Agreement would open up for Nigeria to be the breadbasket and the agri-business hub of the region. The event also featured remarks from the president, the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.