Kano establishes agribusiness forum to drive SAPZ transformation
Kano State, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has inaugurated the Multi-Stakeholders Agribusiness Forum (MAF) under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme to strengthen agricultural value chains and boost food security.
The event, held on Thursday in Kano, brought together policymakers, farmers, private sector players, development partners, and financial institutions to deliberate on strategies for transforming agriculture into a modern, competitive and inclusive economy.
Alhaji Aminu Iliyasu, Kano State Programme Coordinator of the SAPZ, said the forum would serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and problem-solving among stakeholders.
“The MAF is the cornerstone of our strategy. It will unite policymakers, investors, farmers and development partners to co-create solutions, align policies and accelerate investment across the agricultural value chain,” he said.
Representing the National Coordinator of SAPZ, Dr Kabir Yusuf, Mr. Abel Ameh, Rural Institutions Development Specialist, described the initiative as a critical step toward addressing post-harvest losses, supply chain inefficiencies and weak market access.
“The MAF is not just another committee but a nerve centre for coordination, dialogue and innovation to ensure every stakeholder has a role in shaping Kano’s agro-industrial future,” Ameh added.
In her goodwill message, Dr (Mrs) Olubunmi Adebola Iluromi, Director, Federal Department of Development Partner Projects, said the Federal Government remained committed to supporting Kano with technical assistance and resource mobilisation.
She noted that the MAF would “unlock the full potential of agriculture not just as a source of livelihood, but as a driver of industrialisation, innovation and resilience.”
Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said the forum aligned with Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf’s vision of creating an enabling environment for investment, sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods.
He disclosed that the governor had recruited over 1,000 agricultural extension workers and released N500 million as counterpart funding for the World Bank-supported Sustainable Power and Irrigation Programme.
Also speaking, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim Karaye, Chairman, Kano State House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, pledged the Assembly’s support in providing enabling laws and oversight to sustain the SAPZ programme.
The SAPZ programme is jointly supported by the Federal Government, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).