Abuja: Vice-President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the necessity for African nations to assert control over their resources and global trade. Shettima expressed these views during a visit to the Glo-Djigb© Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in the Republic of Benin, where he assessed its operations and potential.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Shettima highlighted Africa’s need to leverage its abundant natural resources by developing industries that can transform raw materials into higher-value products. He stressed that Nigeria’s renewed focus on industrialization aims to include all regions, with coordinated efforts between the Federal Government and subnational entities.
Shettima pointed out the continent’s minimal share in the global cotton industry, worth 370 billion dollars, and stressed the potential of revamping Nigeria’s textile sector to generate employment, enhance non-oil exports, and stimulate economic activities. He expressed admiration for Benin’s progress in producing and exporting locally sourced resources after inspecting various production facilities within the industrial zone.
The vice-president stated that the visit was part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to evaluate and adopt global best practices. He noted that Nigeria seeks to learn from Benin’s integrated approach to developing value chains for cotton, cashew, and soya bean, reflecting on the importance of replicating such success stories in Nigeria.
Shettima affirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria into an industrialized nation under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He received insights on GDIZ’s structure, production capacity, and investment opportunities from Benin’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade.
During the tour, the delegation observed facilities where locally produced cotton is converted into yarn, fabric, and finished garments, as well as facilities for processing cashew and other agricultural products for local use and export. The visit aimed to gain practical insights from Benin’s achievements in integrating agriculture with manufacturing and attracting private investment to add value to raw materials.
Shettima was accompanied by governors from Kwara, Imo, Katsina, Plateau, Zamfara, and Jigawa States, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to drawing valuable lessons from regional successes in industrial development.