The Ogun State Government, through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, in partnership with the Federal Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB), is set to strengthen agricultural development with plans to construct two Agricultural Transformation Centres (ATCs) and 32 kilometres of connecting roads across the State.

Speaking at the Pre-Bid Meeting held at the State capital, Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, described the project as a significant milestone in transforming Ogun State's agricultural sector through infrastructure that connects farmers to markets, promotes processing and encourages value addition.

He explained that the meeting was organised to clarify the project scope, technical specifications and bidding requirements for the two ATCs to be located at Imasayi, Sawonjo, Yewa North, and Ijebu-Imushin, Ijebu East, alongside the 32-kilometre connecting roads.

 He emphasised the need for quality delivery, timely execution, transparency and value for money.

Earlier, the State Programme Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Busi, said the facilities would promote agricultural productivity, create job opportunities, improve market access and strengthen linkages between smallholder farmers and agro-industrial operators.

He added that the connecting roads would provide improved access for farming communities, linking farmers to markets and off-takers while ensuring accessibility during flooding.

 He reaffirmed the programme's commitment to transparency, fairness, accountability and competitiveness in the procurement process.

Also speaking, the Technical Assistant, Procurement, Mr. Anthony Onyekuwe, described SAPZ as a strategic Federal Government initiative aimed at transforming agriculture from primary production to processing and value addition through Agricultural Transformation Centres and Agro-Industrial Hubs. He noted that the programme, currently being implemented in eight states with plans for expansion to twelve, would complement Ogun State's over $400 million ARISE Integrated Industrial Platform (ARISE IIP).

In his technical presentation, the representative of All4Bearing,the design and supervision consultant, engaged by SAPZ  Engr. Idowu Olayinka, disclosed that each ATC would comprise warehouses, processing facilities, administrative offices, quality control facilities, a waste management centre, bank, clinic, fire and police stations, water and power infrastructure, parking lots and other essential facilities.

He added that both centres would have identical designs, including internal roads and drainage systems to address flooding.