Shettima Says Nigeria Will Replicate Benin Agro-Industrial Model

Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria will draw lessons from Benin Republic’s Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone as the Federal Government pursues agro-industrial projects across the country.

Shettima spoke in Cotonou on Friday after leading a delegation of Nigerian governors on a tour of the industrial zone, where cotton, cashew and soybean products are processed for local and export markets.

He said Nigeria was setting up agro-industrial zones in eight states and would replicate aspects of the Beninese model, which links farming, processing and manufacturing. The Vice President said the approach could support the textile value chain, create jobs and expand non-oil exports.

The delegation was briefed on the zone’s structure, production capacity and investment potential before visiting its textile and agro-processing facilities. Voice of Nigeria reported that the 1,640-hectare public-private platform has textile, garment, cashew and soybean operations and has been in production since 2021.

Governors from Kwara, Imo, Jigawa, Katsina, Plateau and Zamfara accompanied Shettima on the working visit. They said their states would explore similar projects, including partnerships that could strengthen links between farmers and manufacturers.

Source: Voice of Nigeria