As the global demand for food and agricultural products continues to increase, Nigeria’s export sector holds significant potential to diversify the economy, generate employment opportunities, and position the country as a key player in international trade experts have said.
In an interview with The Nation, Chief of Staff at OCP Africa, Caleb Usoh, emphasised that the growth of Nigeria’s agri-export sector could experience substantial acceleration if there are considerable investments in areas such as agri-processing, AgriTech, cold chain logistics, digital transformation, and special production zones.
He pointed out that the agricultural export sector could thrive if essential areas receive adequate investment and strategic focus, particularly in adding value to raw agricultural products and converting them into finished goods for export.
According to him, the establishment of processing facilities for produce such as cocoa, cashew nuts, palm oil, and grains would enable Nigeria to transit from exporting raw commodities to offering value-added products.
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Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of efficient storage and transportation infrastructure to ensure that perishable agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, and fish, retain their quality during transit.
According to him, investments in cold storage facilities, refrigerated transport, and distribution networks are crucial to minimising spoilage and enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to export perishable goods.
The Director-General, African Centre for Supply, Dr. Obiora Madu, noted that Nigeria’s exports depend heavily on the efficient and timely delivery of produce, stressing that improvements in logistics are vital.
He underscored the necessity for investments in cold chain logistics, which encompass warehousing, refrigerated transportation, and real-time tracking systems, to enhance the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian exports.
Recently, African Development Bank Group facilitated $2.2 billion in capital mobilisation for its transformative Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Nigeria Phase II project during the Africa Investment Forum.
Commenting on this impressive accomplishment, Senior Special Adviser to AfDB ‘s President Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka said, “The Nigeria SAPZ phase 2 presidential boardroom raised $2.2 billion. This is far more than we have raised for SAPZs across all the 12 African countries covered by the programme. SAPZ is an idea which time has come. This is the time to industrialise Africa!”
At a packed presidential boardroom, governors from Nigerian states, leaders from multilateral development organisations, the diplomatic corps as well as private sector investors expressed support to scaling up financing to Federal and State Governments of Nigeria connected to SAPZ Nigeria initiative. This ambitious initiative is set to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Building on phase I, it is intended to create agro-industrial hubs that drive productivity, enhance food security, raise living standards and create jobs.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation,” said AfDB ‘s President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, during the boardroom. “The Nigeria SAPZ II project will create millions of jobs, empower smallholder farmers, and position Nigeria as a leader in agro-industrialisation. These investments exemplify the power of collaboration to achieve sustainable development in Africa,” he added.
The SAPZ Nigeria Programme is a country-wide government-enabled and private-sector-led investment programme that will, (i) provide infrastructure for the establishment of agro-industrial zones, (ii) strengthen institutional capacity and business environment for agro-industrial development and (iii) support agricultural productivity, skills, and private investment across value chains.