Govs pledge to replicate Benin’s agro-industrial model in Nigeria

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July 26, 2026 by

Govs pledge to replicate Benin’s agro-industrial model in Nigeria

Six state governors have pledged to replicate key features of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in the Republic of Benin to accelerate agro-industrial development, revive local manufacturing and create jobs as Nigeria advances the implementation of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme

The governors made the commitment after accompanying Vice President Kashim Shettima on an inspection tour of the integrated industrial hub near Cotonou, where cotton, cashew nuts, soybeans and other agricultural commodities are processed into finished and semi-finished products

The delegation comprised Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina and Umar Namadi of Jigawa states

The governors said the industrial park demonstrated how deliberate government policies, adequate infrastructure and private sector investment could transform agricultural value chains by linking farmers with processors, reducing the export of raw commodities and creating sustainable employment opportunities

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Governor AbdulRazaq described the visit as an African peer-learning mission designed to help Nigerian states adopt proven industrial practices while avoiding costly mistakes

“Nigeria is on the verge of developing industrial processing zones across the federation. We previously visited Ethiopia to study what they had done, and we are now in Benin Republic to learn from both the challenges and the successes of this industrial zone,” he said

He noted that the delegation had studied the cotton, cashew and soybean value chains, describing the achievements of the industrial zone as remarkable and worthy of replication in Nigeria

According to him, participating states are collaborating with the Federal Government and development partners, including the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and the <a href="https://jiuniversity.com/submit-entries-for-international-scholarships-programme-kyrgyzstan-fundsforngos/” title=”Submit Entries for International Scholarships Programme (Kyrgyzstan) – fundsforNGOs”>International Fund for Agricultural Development, to provide infrastructure for the processing zones under the first phase of the SAPZ programme, which covers seven states and the Federal Capital Territory

 Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi said the visit provided valuable insights that would support his state’s efforts to add value to agricultural production and expand industrial activities

“What we have seen here is very encouraging, both for us as a country and as a state. We have learnt many things that will help us industrialise Jigawa and create sustainable jobs for our young people”, Namadi said

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the SAPZ programme would enable Jigawa to process more of its agricultural produce while creating greater economic opportunities for residents

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara said the visit rekindled memories of the state’s once-thriving textile industry, recalling that textile factories, cotton ginneries and oil mills had previously employed thousands of workers

“This takes me down memory lane because I grew up around this industry. My father was one of the owners of the Zamfara Textile Industry”, he said

Lawal recalled that the textile factory once operated three shifts of about 2,000 workers each, while the state also had about 23 ginneries and an oil mill that processed cotton seeds into edible oil

He said the experience had strengthened his resolve to restore cotton production and textile manufacturing in Zamfara, describing the revival of the industry as one of the legacies he hoped to leave behind

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo urged African countries to strengthen peer learning and develop industries based on their comparative advantages to promote shared prosperity

He commended President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice President Shettima to lead the delegation, describing the visit as a practical step towards implementing the administration’s industrialisation agenda

“We are satisfied with what we have seen. If this model is properly adapted in Nigeria, with every state building around its comparative advantage, we will create the prosperity and employment opportunities our people need”, Uzodimma said

He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda provides a pathway for reducing poverty, expanding production and delivering lasting economic benefits

 Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina said the production model at GDIZ could be successfully replicated in Nigerian states with strong agricultural value chains

“Katsina is one of Nigeria’s major cotton-producing states, and we are also doing well in soybean production. We have both comparative and competitive advantages in these commodities”, he said

Radda said applying lessons from the Benin industrial zone would help create jobs, generate wealth and strengthen the link between agriculture and manufacturing

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described GDIZ as a successful proof of concept, saying its evolution from an idea into a thriving industrial ecosystem underscored the importance of political commitment, strategic planning and competent leadership

“What we have seen is something that has moved from an idea to reality. The lesson is that this kind of success requires intentionality. It cannot happen by chance. It requires political will and the appointment of the right people to drive the process,” he said

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Benin’s agro-industrial

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Source: thenationonlineng.net