Senator Danjuma Goje Leads North East NASS Caucus in Fierce Protest Over SAPZ Exclusion: “Nigeria Cannot Prosper by Marginalizing a Whole Region”

Senator Danjuma Goje, addressing journalists at the National Assembly today, condemned the exclusion of the entire North East region from the $530 million Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative. The visibly agitated former governor described the action as a “dangerous form of economic exclusion that cannot be justified under any fair or rational standard.”

Senator Danjuma Goje emphasized that the SAPZ, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and IFAD, was designed to promote balanced agricultural growth across Nigeria. “Leaving out the North East not only violates that intent but also deepens the historical marginalization of our region,” he stated.

North East Deserves Representation Based on Size and Agricultural Capacity

Senator Danjuma Goje reminded Nigerians and the international donor community that the North East is the largest geopolitical zone, covering approximately 272,451 square kilometers—almost a third of the country’s landmass. “To exclude such a vast region from a national agricultural initiative is a textbook case of systemic neglect,” he asserted.

Senator Danjuma Goje further explained that the North East boasts immense arable land, favorable weather, and diverse agro-ecological zones. “We have what it takes to become Nigeria’s breadbasket, but we are persistently sidelined when it matters most,” he lamented.

A Lost Opportunity to Address Regional Inequality

Senator Danjuma Goje expressed disappointment that the SAPZ rollout failed to address long-standing regional inequalities. “This was a golden opportunity to close the development gap, empower rural communities, and drive agro-based industrialization in the North East,” he noted.

Senator Danjuma Goje stated that crops like millet, sorghum, groundnuts, and livestock farming are not only dominant in the region but critical to national food security. “Why would a region so rich in agricultural assets be excluded from a flagship program meant to harness those very resources?” he questioned.

Call for Donor Agencies to Reassess Implementation

Senator Danjuma Goje called on the AfDB, IsDB, and IFAD to reassess their partnership with the Federal Government on SAPZ implementation. “These institutions are globally recognized for championing inclusive development. Their silence in the face of such exclusion would be troubling,” he said.

Senator Danjuma Goje urged the donor agencies to demand transparency in project selection criteria. “We expect them to ensure equity in distribution, and failure to do so calls into question the credibility of the entire program,” he warned.

Demand for Immediate Policy Review and Regional Inclusion

Senator Danjuma Goje demanded a swift review of the SAPZ implementation framework to accommodate the North East region. “We are not asking for favors—we are demanding fairness in a project funded by both local and international taxpayers,” he stated.

Senator Danjuma Goje made it clear that equitable redistribution is not negotiable. “Any development strategy that ignores one-third of the nation’s landmass and millions of its citizens is bound to fail in the long run,” he warned with emphasis.

Legislative Action Looms If Federal Government Fails to Act

Senator Danjuma Goje vowed that the North East NASS Caucus would escalate its advocacy within the legislative chambers if no corrective action is taken. “We are prepared to challenge this exclusion through every legal and institutional mechanism available,” he declared.

Senator Danjuma Goje concluded by stating that the Caucus may withhold support for future components of the SAPZ until inclusion is guaranteed. “This is not merely a regional grievance—it is a national call for justice, equity, and inclusive prosperity,” he concluded as the press conference ended.