The African Development Bank has commended Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for what it described as his administration’s bold reforms in agriculture and food security, as the state moves closer to being enlisted as a beneficiary of the Bank’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, SAPZ, initiative.
The commendation was made during a high-level policy dialogue held in Abuja and convened by the AfDB to explore solutions to challenges facing access to finance, youth and women empowerment, and agribusiness development in Nigeria.
Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojomah, who represented the state at the event, disclosed that Kogi and Ogun were the only two states specially invited to the dialogue. He said the invitation signified AfDB’s recognition of the policy direction and investments made under Ododo’s administration to reposition the agricultural sector.
Ojomah further revealed that preliminary engagements have commenced between the state government and AfDB, aimed at ensuring Kogi’s inclusion in the next phase of the SAPZ scheme, which is expected to begin in 2026.
“A virtual meeting is being arranged to finalise the remaining requirements. We are hopeful that Kogi will be included in the next phase of the SAPZ,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive agribusiness growth, particularly through youth and women-led initiatives.
Kyari disclosed that the Bank of Agriculture is set for recapitalisation to the tune of ₦1.5 trillion to support such ventures. He stressed the role of SAPZ in unlocking agricultural value chains, while commending states like Kogi that have demonstrated strong political will and clear policy frameworks.
“The commitment shown by Governor Ododo’s administration is commendable and places Kogi in a strategic position to benefit from the SAPZ and similar national interventions,” he said.
Special Adviser to the AfDB President on Stakeholder Engagement, Ms. Lola Visser, also praised the Kogi State Government for what she called its growing momentum in the agriculture space, especially in youth inclusion.
Visser, who has mentored over 200 young agro-entrepreneurs, noted that limited access to finance remains a critical barrier. She called for stronger collaboration between development banks and state governments to bridge the funding gap.
“This dialogue is about solutions—closing the gaps through practical partnerships that support agribusiness innovation and job creation,” she added.
