- Senator Kashim Shettima emphasizes Africa's potential in global trade.
- Nigeria aims to be among the world's industrial nations.
- Visit to Benin's Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone highlights success in agriculture and manufacturing.
- State governors express commitment to explore industrial opportunities.
- Environmental sustainability promoted through tree planting at the industrial zone.
The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has articulated a visionary call for African nations to take the reins of their natural resources and enhance their positions in the global trade landscape. He underscores the immense potential within the continent and stresses that realizing this potential requires a collective effort from its nations.
During an official tour of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in the Republic of Benin, Shettima declared Nigeria's ambition to emerge as one of the world’s industrial frontrunners. Accompanied by several Nigerian state governors, the Vice President expressed optimism about Nigeria's industrial trajectory, promising that no region would be sidelined under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima further revealed that the Tinubu administration, working alongside state governments, is committed to fostering comprehensive development across Nigeria. He applauded the efforts made by the Beninese government in the realm of mass production and the exportation of its abundant resources.
Highlighting the economic disparity, Shettima lamented that Africa only pockets about one percent of the global cotton market, estimated to be worth $370 billion. He emphasized that revitalizing Nigeria’s textile industry could unlock millions of jobs, invigorate non-oil exports, and accelerate economic progress throughout the nation.
After touring production units for cotton, textiles, cashew nuts, and soybean oil at the GDIZ, Shettima was impressed by the industrial operations he observed. This visit not only aimed to review best practices but also to discover valuable approaches that Nigeria can replicate.
"We are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, working tirelessly to implement his Renewed Hope Agenda by studying successful models globally," Shettima stated. He detailed plans for establishing eight agro-industrial zones across various Nigerian states, emphasizing this as a success story for Africa, showcasing value addition across several agricultural sectors.
Upon arriving at the GDIZ, Shettima and his delegation received a comprehensive brief on the site’s investment potential and production capacities from the Beninese Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari. They inspected integrated textile and agro-processing facilities which highlight the transformation of local cotton into finished products for both domestic and international markets.
This public-private industrial platform, spanning 1,640 hectares and developed by the Beninese government alongside ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, currently employs over 25,000 individuals and began operations in 2021. The visit serves as a crucial learning experience for Nigeria, aiming to integrate agriculture and manufacturing effectively, attract private investments, and elevate the standard of finished products.
The participating governors, including AbdulRahman AbdulRazak (Kwara), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and others, expressed eagerness to pursue similar industrial projects in their respective states, recognizing the vast potential for public-private partnerships and advanced technology in the manufacturing sector. Additionally, to mark this crucial visit and promote environmentally sustainable practices, Shettima and the governors planted trees within the industrial zone.
Why This Matters
This initiative stands to not only bolster Nigeria's industrial landscape but also to catalyze broader transformation across Africa by maximizing the potential of its natural resources.