Kogi State Enhances China Partnership for Agro-Development

Kogi State is strengthening its partnership with China to accelerate the implementation of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) program, as stated by Kingsley Fanwo, the state commissioner. The SAPZ initiative is designed to enhance food production, improve processing capacity, create employment opportunities, and attract private sector investment, positioning Kogi State as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria's central region.

The program includes the development of modern agricultural science and technology parks, with a focus on agricultural technology transfer and enterprise incubation. The structure of the SAPZ comprises the Ajaokuta Agro-Industrial Hub and Agricultural Transformation Centers in Anyigba, Osara, and Zariagi, targeting an additional 150,000 hectares of farmland.

A strategic cooperation agreement was signed with Hezheng Hold Group and its subsidiaries to implement the project, with a delegation led by Alhaji Yakubu Okala, the Auditor General of Kogi State. The partnership aims to establish a sustainable industrial cooperation platform between China and Kogi State.