Kogi State has taken a major step to advance its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme by signing a strategic cooperation agreement with Chinese firm Hezheng Holdings Group and Hezheng Digital Technology (Hezheng Innovation Valley) Co., Ltd.
The agreement focuses on developing a modern agricultural science and technology industrial park aimed at boosting food production, agro-processing, technology transfer, job creation, and export capabilities.
A Kogi State delegation, led by Auditor-General Alhaji Yakubu Okala (representing Governor Ahmed Ododo), held discussions in China on industrial park development, enterprise incubation, logistics, cold chain systems, power solutions, and investment mobilisation.
Key components of the SAPZ include the Ajaokuta Agro-Industrial Hub, Agricultural Transformation Centres in Anyigba, Alape, and Osara, as well as the Zariagi Agro-Air Hub.
The project will integrate existing farmer clusters and bring an additional 150,000 hectares of farmland into large-scale production.
Priority value chains identified are rice, maize, cassava, livestock, poultry, sesame, cashew, oil palm, and greenhouse farming.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the partnership marks a shift from planning to actual implementation, with both sides aligning on a clear roadmap that includes technical workstreams and the establishment of coordination offices.
Fanwo added that Kogi remains committed to building a bankable agro-industrial ecosystem that will enhance food security, promote value addition, create jobs, and unlock economic opportunities for the people of the state.
The delegation also toured Hezheng’s facilities to gain insights into park management, agricultural technology integration, and cross-border market strategies.
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