Governors of six Nigerian states have vowed to adapt Benin’s Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone model to revive the domestic textile industry, strengthen agro-processing and accelerate industrialisation.
The states are Imo, Zamfara, Plateau, Kwara, Katsina and Jigawa.
The commitment followed a tour of the integrated industrial hub near Benin’s port city of Cotonou led by Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The commitment followed a tour of the integrated industrial hub near Benin’s port city of Cotonou led by Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima as part of the government’s efforts to set up special agro-industrial processing zones, boost value addition and reducing export of unprocessed commodities.
The delegation examined cotton, cashew and soybean value chains and would apply the lessons as Nigeria rolls out industrial processing zones, according to domestic media reports.
Jigawa governor Umar Namadi said value addition to agricultural produce would drive industrialisation, create jobs and expand economic opportunities for the state’s growing youth population.
The governors agreed that the GDIZ model demonstrates how strategic investment, reliable infrastructure and strong public-private partnerships can unlock agricultural value chains and position manufacturing as a major driver of economic growth in the country.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
