**Interviewer:** Thank you for being with us today. Can you tell us more about the recent partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)?

**Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka:** Of course! We’ve teamed up to secure approximately $300 million to co-finance Phase 2 of the Special Agro-Industrial Zones (SAPZ) in Nigeria. This announcement was made during the second day of the SAPZ-1 High-Level Implementation Acceleration Dialogue in Abuja.

**Interviewer:** That sounds like a great step forward! However, I’ve heard there have been some challenges with Phase 1. Can you share more about that?

**Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka:** Yes, it has indeed been quite a challenge. We’ve made significant efforts to ensure that funds for Phase 1 were disbursed on time, but some states haven’t engaged as we expected. To give you some context, we raised a total of $540 million, with AfDB contributing around $220 million. Other partners included the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Africa Go Together Fund (AGTF).

**Interviewer:** What do you think is causing the slow response from some states?

**Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka:** One major issue is the specific conditions that need to be met for the disbursement of funds. At times, it boils down to human factors—individual behaviors or attitudes that stall progress. We’ve faced delays, like one instance where we were held up for nearly nine months due to unnecessary complications related to someone’s personal issues. Large projects often face opposition, typically when they clash with personal agendas.

**Interviewer:** Given these challenges, do you believe there is still a route to success?

**Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka:** Absolutely. Achieving even 80 percent success would be a major accomplishment. Among the eight beneficiary states, at least three or four are actively participating. If we end the year with four out of five states compliant, that’s a significant win in my view. Resilience has been our guiding principle; without it, we might have given up long ago.

**Interviewer:** It seems like there’s a need for clarity in the processes. What would you suggest for those states that are facing difficulties?

**Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka:** I would recommend that those states consider hiring consultants to help them navigate the complexities of these processes. However, it’s important to stress that we won’t compromise the rules for anyone.

**Interviewer:** What are the state representatives saying about the SAPZ initiative?

**Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka:** The governors and their representatives have voiced a strong desire to accelerate the achievement of SAPZ objectives. For example, the Agriculture Commissioner from Kaduna highlighted that this initiative would enhance industrialization and food security, especially in states like theirs that are significant producers of ginger for export.

**Interviewer:** How is the AfDB working to increase the value addition of raw materials in Nigeria?

**Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka:** Our goal is to raise the value addition of Nigeria’s raw materials from 25 percent to 60 percent by 2028. We’re working on a comprehensive 10-year roadmap developed in partnership with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

**Interviewer:** Why is increasing value addition so important for Nigeria?

**Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka:** Enhancing the value of our raw materials before export is crucial for job creation, boosting domestic manufacturing, and strengthening the naira. By utilizing more local raw materials, we can reduce our dependence on imports and establish Nigeria as a significant player in the global raw materials market.

**Interviewer:** What kind of support do you think is necessary to meet these ambitious goals?

**Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka:** Achieving these objectives will require the collective expertise and resources of our partners. The RMRDC roadmap outlines strategic interventions that invite collaboration across different sectors. We need to ensure efficient use of raw materials while adhering to circular economy principles to minimize waste.

**Interviewer:** In your opinion, how critical is the management and conversion of raw materials for Nigeria’s future?

**Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka:** It’s absolutely critical. Effective management and conversion of our raw materials into finished products will unlock Nigeria’s immense potential and lead to sustainable prosperity for our citizens.

**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka. It’s clear there’s a solid plan in place, and overcoming these challenges will be essential for Nigeria’s development.