Africa must take control of its natural resources and strengthen value-added industries to boost global trade, Vice President Kashim Shettima said during a visit to Benin Republic’s Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Africa to take greater control of its natural resources and global trade by developing industries that process raw materials into high-value finished products.
Shettima made the call on Friday during a tour and assessment of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
The Vice President said African countries must maximise the continent’s vast natural resources by building strong manufacturing industries capable of adding value before export.
He stressed that Nigeria’s renewed industrialisation drive would be inclusive, with the Federal Government working closely with state governments to ensure balanced economic development across the country.
Shettima commended the Republic of Benin for its progress in mass production and the export of locally sourced agricultural products through integrated industrial value chains.
He expressed concern that Africa currently accounts for only about one per cent of the global cotton industry, estimated to be worth 370 billion dollars, despite being a major producer of raw cotton.
According to him, revitalising Nigeria’s textile value chain could generate millions of jobs, increase non-oil exports and stimulate economic activities nationwide.
During the visit, the Vice President inspected cotton, textile, cashew and soya bean processing facilities at the industrial zone.
“We are here essentially at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, in the spirit of his Renewed Hope Agenda, to study and peer-review global best practices,” Shettima said.
He explained that the visit would enable Nigeria to learn from Benin’s success in developing integrated value chains for cotton, cashew and soya bean production.
Shettima disclosed that the Federal Government is establishing eight agro-industrial zones across eight states as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural processing and industrial development.
Describing the GDIZ as “an African success story,” he said the industrial hub demonstrates how value addition can transform local agricultural commodities into competitive export products.
He expressed confidence that lessons from the visit would be replicated in Nigeria to strengthen industrial growth and expand manufacturing capacity.
The Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to making Nigeria one of the world’s leading industrialised nations under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the visit, Benin’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade briefed the Nigerian delegation on the industrial zone’s structure, production capacity and investment opportunities.
The delegation also toured integrated textile and agro-processing facilities where locally produced cotton is converted into yarn, fabric and finished garments, as well as factories processing cashew and other agricultural commodities for domestic and international markets.
The visit formed part of Nigeria’s efforts to draw practical lessons from Benin’s success in linking agriculture with manufacturing, attracting private investment and increasing the value of locally produced raw materials.
Shettima was accompanied by the governors of Kwara, Imo, Katsina, Plateau, Zamfara and Jigawa states.
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