Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, arrived in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, on Tuesday for a visit aimed at strengthening the implementation of Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme. The Vice President seeks to draw inspiration from neighbouring countries and beyond for the initiative. This high-level visit shows Nigeria's commitment to accelerating its economic diversification efforts and learning from successful regional models. Upon arrival, Mr. Shettima was received by Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Corinne Amori Brunet, and the Minister of Tourism and External Trade, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, noting the diplomatic significance of the engagement between the two West African nations.
Governors of Kwara, Imo, Jigawa, Plateau, Katsina and Zamfara States are accompanying the Vice President, signifying the broad national interest in the programme's success and the potential for replication across various Nigerian states. Also on the trip are the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, and other senior officials of the Nigerian Government, forming a full delegation focused on agricultural and industrial development.
Learning from Benin's Success
Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme is expected to benefit significantly from the visit as it aims to draw positive lessons from Benin’s strategies. Nigerian officials are keen to study Benin’s approach to agricultural value addition, which is key for transforming raw produce into higher-value goods, thereby increasing farmers' incomes and boosting export potential. The delegation will also examine the development of industrial infrastructure that supports these processing zones, ensuring efficient operations and connectivity. The visit seeks insights into the mobilisation of investment, a critical component for funding large-scale industrial projects and attracting both domestic and foreign capital.
The programme also seeks insights into skills development, essential for creating a competent workforce capable of operating and managing modern agro-industrial facilities, and the fostering of export-oriented production observed in the Republic of Benin. This focus on export is key for Nigeria to earn foreign exchange and integrate its agricultural products into global supply chains.
One key area of focus for the Nigerian delegation is the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). The GDIZ, a significant industrial hub located in Benin, encompasses approximately 1,640 hectares. This extensive zone provides a practical example of large-scale industrial development, demonstrating how a dedicated area can be transformed into a thriving economic cluster. The GDIZ is being examined for its potential to offer transferable models for Nigeria's own agro-industrial ambitions, particularly in terms of planning, execution, and operational efficiency. The insights gained are expected to inform the strategic development and management of Nigeria's own processing zones.
Nigeria's Agricultural Ambitions
Nigeria’s textile, apparel, and footwear industry was valued at approximately ₦8.15 trillion at current prices in 2024, indicating a substantial economic footprint. The sector further generated an estimated ₦2.45 trillion in nominal output during the first quarter of 2025, showing its significant contribution to the national economy. This visit to Benin by Nigeria’s Vice President aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The agenda emphasizes economic diversification and the development of key sectors like agriculture and industry to boost national productivity and create employment opportunities across the country. The focus on agro-industrial zones is a key component of this broader economic strategy, aiming to leverage Nigeria's vast agricultural resources for sustainable growth and job creation.
Delegation's Itinerary
The Nigerian delegation is scheduled to visit the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) near Cotonou on Friday. This visit is a key component of Vice President Kashim Shettima's mission to study successful agro-industrial development models during his time in the Republic of Benin. The GDIZ, a significant industrial hub, offers a practical example for Nigeria's Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme. Officials will observe operations and infrastructure at the zone to gather insights that could inform Nigeria's own agricultural value addition strategies, industrial infrastructure development, and investment mobilization efforts. The visit aims to draw transferable lessons for fostering export-oriented production and skills development within Nigeria, ultimately contributing to the success and sustainability of Nigeria's ambitious agro-industrial transformation.
