The Oyo State Government has reassured farmers and residents of Ijaiye and surrounding communities that the proposed Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and the Rungis-styled Food Wholesale Market will significantly transform agriculture and boost agribusiness across the state.
At a stakeholder engagement held on Wednesday in Atan-Ijaiye, the government declared that the initiative, backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), would add immense value to agricultural produce, generate economic prosperity, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers, without displacing existing settlers.
Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Mr. Kolawole Badmus, who represented the Director-General of the Agency, Dr. Debo Akande, made this known during the interactive meeting. He emphasized that out of the 7,581 hectares at the Ijaiye Farm Settlement in Akinyele Local Government Area, 3,000 hectares have been designated for the agro-industrial project and international wholesale food market.
He described the initiative as a visionary move by Governor Seyi Makinde to deepen the state’s agribusiness potential and eliminate the systemic losses farmers experience due to poor post-harvest handling and low pricing.
“This is a game-changer. For decades, our farmers have worked hard only to be cheated by middlemen or see their produce rot in the fields. The SAPZ and Wholesale Market will change that narrative by enabling local processing and creating access to local and international markets,” Badmus stated.
He added that the food market would be modeled after France’s renowned Rungis International Market, and will act as a major distribution and logistics centre for agricultural produce, thus integrating farmers into a formal, value-added economic chain.
Fears of Displacement ‘Unfounded’
Badmus dismissed claims by some farmers in the Ijaiye Farm Settlement that they were unaware of the government’s redevelopment plans or that their land might be taken away arbitrarily.
“This project was conceptualised in 2020, and we have been engaging with stakeholders since then. In fact, one of the farmers just told me he saw his name in the attendance list from our 2020 meetings. So, no one is being sidelined,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated that the government would conduct a comprehensive enumeration of all current farmers and their crops to ensure appropriate support and possible compensation, where necessary. He assured that no farmer would lose out as the government is keen on inclusive development.
“This government, under Governor Makinde, is not out to punish or short-change anyone. We have done it before in Fasola, and the same model will be replicated here. The cashew and cocoa plantations will remain and benefit from the improved infrastructure,” he added.
According to Badmus, the Fasola Agro-Industrial Hub has already demonstrated the positive impact such initiatives can have, serving as a hub for farmers in Oyo and Oke Ogun zones, and proving that agro-processing zones can deliver value without displacing farmers.
“We understand the anxiety, but this administration is different. The governor is compassionate and committed to the growth of our farmers. This project is for your benefit. Farmers will retain their lands, get better prices, and have access to local and global markets,” Badmus assured.
Local Government Chairman Commends Initiative
In his remarks, the Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Mr. Akinwole Akinleye, lauded the state government for locating the project in his domain, saying it will bring rapid economic development to the area and serve as a catalyst for infrastructural growth.
“We are proud and excited that this transformative development is coming to Akinyele. It will create jobs, expand commerce, and turn this community into an economic hub. We’ve spoken to the farmers, and we are confident that their concerns will be addressed,” he said.
Akinleye further disclosed that ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Saturday, the local government has been working closely with the state government to ensure smooth coordination and clear communication with all stakeholders.
“Governor Makinde has promised adequate compensation and support. As a government, we will work with the farmers to make sure no one is left behind,” he added.
About the Project
The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) is a flagship agribusiness project supported by the African Development Bank. It is designed to promote agro-industrialization, boost food security, and create jobs through the establishment of industrial-scale processing centres in rural areas. Oyo State is among the few Nigerian states selected to host the first phase of the programme.
The planned Food Wholesale Market is inspired by the Rungis Market in France, one of the largest wholesale food markets in the world. It is expected to serve as a key distribution point for processed and fresh agricultural produce, targeting both domestic and international buyers.
The project aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s roadmap for sustainable development, particularly in the area of agribusiness and economic diversification.
The sod-turning ceremony for the Ijaiye SAPZ and Wholesale Market is expected to hold on Saturday, marking a major milestone in the government’s effort to make Oyo State a hub of modern agribusiness in Nigeria.
