Niger State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ)

Available land (5,000 ha)

A strategic site for integrating agricultural production and processing for cassava, maize, and other staple crops.

Key initiatives: establishment of storage facilities, power systems, and a vibrant farmer outgrower scheme.

A hub for sugarcane cultivation and agro-processing, spanning over 20,000 hectares of land.

Activities include sugarcane farming, sugar production, and co-location opportunities for other agro-industries.

Key infrastructure: irrigation systems, road networks, and sustainable power.

Designed to serve as a central hub for agro-industrial activities, including logistics and value addition.

The hub will feature advanced storage facilities, cold chain systems, and business incubation centers for agropreneurs.

A corridor integrating railway and road infrastructure to facilitate efficient transport of agro-products.

Features land allocated for agro-industrial processing and export-oriented operations.

Niger State has reached a significant milestone in its agro-industrial transformation with a strategic partnership between its Ministry of Industry, Trade, Investment, and Private Sector Development and Golden Sugar Company Limited (GSCL), a subsidiary of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN). This collaboration, formalized under the framework of the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ), aims to drive agricultural productivity, create jobs, and position Niger State as a leader in agro-industrial development.

The partnership centers around key initiatives, including:

• Official recognition of GSCL as an agricultural transformation center within the SAPZ.
• Full utilization of over 10,000 hectares of undeveloped land at Sunti for co-locating other agro-processing industries.
• Development of critical infrastructure, such as dedicated road networks and a sustainable power supply from the Jebba Hydroelectric Power Station, ensuring smooth operations and connectivity.
• Establishment of modern irrigation systems to enable year-round farming and improved agricultural yields.
• Construction of advanced storage facilities to handle raw grains and finished products efficiently.
• Joint development efforts to uplift surrounding communities by improving healthcare, education, water sanitation, and local infrastructure.

Pulse Engineering and Consulting Limited plays a vital role as the lead consultant for the onboarding process and infrastructure planning, ensuring that the partnership aligns with the SAPZ’s goals. Pulse's expertise in project management, strategic alignment, and technical planning is key to achieving a seamless integration of GSCL’s operations within the SAPZ.

This agreement marks a major step forward in Niger State’s commitment to sustainable agricultural transformation. By leveraging this partnership, the state is set to unlock new economic opportunities, enhance food security, and attract further investments in the agro-industrial sector.

Niger State has achieved a significant milestone in its economic transformation journey, securing $684 million (approximately N1.094 trillion) from Chinese firms to develop its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ). This transformative project will enhance agricultural productivity, create jobs, and position the state as a hub for agro-industrial processing.

The investment will revolutionize the state’s agricultural sector by focusing on adding value to raw produce, improving infrastructure, and boosting exports. Over 5,000 jobs are expected to be created, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for women and youth. By developing the SAPZ, Niger State aims to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth while becoming a model for agro-industrial development in Nigeria.

Playing a pivotal role in this groundbreaking initiative is Pulse Engineering and Consulting Limited, which serves as the lead consultant for the project. Pulse has been instrumental in coordinating efforts between Niger State and the Chinese firms, while also providing technical expertise to ensure the project aligns with global best practices. The company is responsible for overseeing key aspects of the SAPZ’s implementation, including infrastructure development, farmer integration, and the establishment of sustainable power solutions. Pulse’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is helping to set the foundation for the SAPZ’s long-term success.

This initiative also reflects Niger State’s commitment to diversifying its economy by leveraging agriculture to reduce reliance on oil revenues. The SAPZ will enable the state to capitalize on its agricultural potential, fostering economic resilience and improving food security. As work on the SAPZ progresses, it is expected to attract additional local and international investments, further solidifying Niger State’s position as a leader in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

With the collaborative efforts of Niger State, Pulse Engineering, and global partners, the SAPZ is poised to become a beacon of progress, driving growth and development across the region.

The Investment and Its Impact

This investment, involving strategic partnerships with leading Chinese firms, is a key step toward achieving the state's vision of becoming a hub for agricultural productivity and industrialization. The SAPZ initiative focuses on transforming raw agricultural produce into high-value goods, driving economic diversification, and boosting exports.

Key outcomes anticipated from the project include:

• The creation of over 5,000 jobs, targeting inclusivity for women and youth.
• Improved market access and processing capabilities for farmers.
• Infrastructure development to support agro-industrial activities.
• Enhanced socio-economic development across Niger State.

Niger State is set to witness another transformative project with the development of the Montserrado Ethanol Plant. This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize the state’s agro-industrial landscape by building a state-of-the-art ethanol facility that will eventually process approximately 900 tons of feedstock per day. The project is a testament to Niger State’s commitment to leveraging its vast agricultural potential for industrial development and economic diversification.

The ethanol plant will play a crucial role in supporting Nigeria's push for cleaner energy alternatives and the advancement of biofuel technologies. By utilizing locally sourced feedstock, the project will not only create a reliable market for farmers but also drive agricultural productivity, stimulate rural development, and create thousands of jobs. The facility’s operations will integrate advanced processing technologies, ensuring efficiency and sustainability in ethanol production.

Pulse Engineering and Consulting Limited is integral to the successful realization of the Montserrado Ethanol Project. Acting as a key technical and project management consultant, Pulse is ensuring the alignment of this initiative with global best practices. The company is overseeing critical components such as infrastructure planning, stakeholder collaboration, and the integration of renewable energy solutions to support plant operations. Pulse’s efforts are instrumental in facilitating seamless coordination between Montserrado and the Niger State Government, as well as ensuring the project delivers long-term socio-economic benefits.

Once operational, the ethanol plant is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuels, contributing to the country’s energy transition goals. The project will also support climate resilience efforts by promoting the use of renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For farmers, the plant will provide a consistent demand for agricultural products, creating a stable and lucrative market for their produce.

The Montserrado Ethanol Project underscores Niger State’s vision of becoming a hub for agro-industrial development and sustainable energy production. By fostering partnerships with key stakeholders and leveraging its abundant agricultural resources, the state is paving the way for economic growth and industrialization.

As Niger State continues to position itself as a leader in agricultural transformation, the Montserrado Ethanol Project stands as a shining example of how innovative initiatives can drive progress, create jobs, and build a sustainable future.

Role: Niger Foods plays a significant role in the Niger State SAPZ as a primary partner in food processing and agricultural mechanization. The company specializes in the large-scale production and processing of various agricultural products, including cereals, grains, and other staple foods. Niger Foods supports the SAPZ’s goal of value addition by transforming raw agricultural produce into processed food products for both local consumption and export.

Contribution:

1. Food Processing and Value Addition: Niger Foods is involved in the establishment of food processing facilities within the SAPZ, focusing on adding value to raw agricultural produce like grains, rice, maize, and cassava. Their processing plants ensure that locally grown crops are turned into consumable or exportable products, boosting the agricultural value chain.
2. Agricultural Mechanization Support: Niger Foods also plays a vital role in mechanizing agriculture within the SAPZ. Through partnerships with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), the company provides farmers with modern farming equipment such as tractors, harvesters, and processing machinery. This mechanization improves productivity and reduces the labor-intensive nature of farming.
3. Supply Chain Development: Niger Foods helps to establish and strengthen supply chains for both raw and processed agricultural products within the SAPZ. By working closely with local farmers, the company ensures a steady flow of agricultural produce into their processing facilities and connects finished products to both local and international markets.
4. Capacity Building and Training: The company is also involved in training farmers and workers in modern agricultural practices, post-harvest handling, and food processing techniques. By building the technical capacity of local stakeholders, Niger Foods helps to create a skilled workforce that can sustain the SAPZ’s agricultural and industrial ambitions.
5. Collaboration with Outgrower Schemes: Niger Foods collaborates with local farmers through outgrower schemes, providing them with inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and mechanization services. This collaboration ensures that farmers have the resources they need to increase their yields and supply raw materials to Niger Foods’ processing plants.

Niger Foods offers businesses and investors an opportunity to participate in the agro-industrial ecosystem of the Niger SAPZ through value addition and food processing. Their operations help bridge the gap between raw agricultural production and market-ready goods, making them a key player in boosting the profitability of the agricultural sector.

Impact on the SAPZ:

• Increased Agricultural Productivity: By providing mechanization and processing support, Niger Foods directly contributes to higher yields and better-quality produce from farmers within the SAPZ.
• Employment Generation: Niger Foods’ food processing plants create jobs for local communities, providing employment opportunities in both farming and industrial processing.
• Market Expansion: Through their robust supply chains and export-oriented processing activities, Niger Foods helps to expand local farmers’ access to global markets, enhancing their income and livelihood.