Nigeria’s state governors are looking across the border with serious envy, and for good reason! A delegation of six Nigerian governors, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, recently toured the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in the Republic of Benin. Their mission? To soak up the secrets of Benin’s booming agro-industrial model and see how it can be transplanted to Nigerian soil to create a flood of jobs and boost local manufacturing. This visit isn’t just a sightseeing trip; it’s a strategic move to transform Nigeria’s agricultural potential into real economic power. From cotton to cashews, the governors are keen to learn how to process more, export less raw materials, and build thriving industries right at home.
Here’s the lowdown on what the governors are hoping to achieve:
- Replicating Benin’s successful agro-industrial zones.
- Boosting domestic manufacturing and processing of farm produce.
- Creating massive employment opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming youth.
- Reducing the export of raw agricultural commodities.
- Learning from both the wins and the stumbles of a proven model.
A Model for Success: The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone
The GDIZ is no small feat. Located near Cotonou, this integrated industrial zone is a powerhouse where raw agricultural goods like cotton, cashew nuts, and soybeans are transformed into finished and semi-finished products. The governors were visibly impressed by how government policy, solid infrastructure, and private sector muscle have come together to create a seamless value chain. It’s a masterclass in turning local produce into valuable goods, and it’s exactly what Nigeria needs.
African Peer Learning: Avoiding Pitfalls, Embracing Best Practices
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State hit the nail on the head when he called the visit an “African peer-learning mission.” Nigeria has been on this journey before, eyeing industrialisation with visits to places like Ethiopia. This trip to Benin is about smart learning – understanding what works, what doesn’t, and how to adapt it for Nigeria. They’ve dissected the cotton, cashew, and soybean value chains, and the consensus is clear: this model is a resounding success, and the lessons learned are invaluable.
The states involved are not just dreaming; they’re actively collaborating with the Federal Government and major development partners like the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank. This isn’t just about talking; it’s about building the necessary infrastructure for these Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) to thrive.
A Blast from the Past, A Hope for the Future: Zamfara’s Textile Dream
For Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, the visit to GDIZ stirred powerful memories. He recalled the glory days of his state’s textile industry, where factories buzzed with activity and thousands found employment. His father was even involved in the Zamfara Textile Industry! Back then, the state had numerous ginneries and even a mill that processed cotton seeds into oil.
The GDIZ model has reignited his determination to bring back the glory days. He sees a clear path to reviving cotton production and textile manufacturing, aiming to create jobs, add value, and uplift the economic well-being of his people. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about building a sustainable legacy.
Expanding Opportunities: Imo, Katsina, and Jigawa’s Agro-Industrial Visions
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State emphasized the need for deeper peer learning and leveraging each African country’s unique strengths. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for championing this industrialisation agenda, noting that adapting the GDIZ model to Nigeria’s comparative advantages could unlock unprecedented prosperity and employment.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda highlighted that the production systems seen at GDIZ are entirely achievable in Nigerian states with strong agricultural bases. Katsina, a major producer of cotton and soybeans, possesses natural advantages that can be leveraged. By applying the lessons from Benin, the state can create jobs, generate wealth, and forge stronger links between farming and industry.
Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi found the GDIZ highly encouraging, seeing it as a blueprint for industrialising his state and creating sustainable jobs. He believes that adopting this concept within Nigeria’s SAPZ programme will significantly boost the value addition of agricultural products, opening up more avenues for his people.
The Plateau State Perspective: Intentionality is Key
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State viewed GDIZ as a successful “proof of concept.” He stressed that turning an idea into a functioning industrial ecosystem requires more than just good intentions; it demands political will, meticulous planning, and skilled management. His state, like Nigeria as a whole, possesses immense economic potential, but transforming raw agricultural output into processed goods needs deliberate action.
This visit, he noted, was a practical demonstration of what has been discussed at the highest levels. It aligns perfectly with the vision of building a $1 trillion economy, a goal that can only be achieved through robust production, processing, and a firm belief in Nigeria’s capabilities. Sometimes, things are not as complicted as people make them seem.
The Road Ahead
The Nigerian governors’ pilgrimage to Benin Republic is more than just an inspection tour; it’s a bold declaration of intent. By aiming to replicate the GDIZ model, they are signaling a serious commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, empowering farmers, and, most importantly, creating a future where millions of young Nigerians can find meaningful employment. The journey won’t be without its challenges, but the lessons from Benin offer a promising roadmap.
About The Author
