Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Thursday for a high-level working visit to the Republic of Benin, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme. The delegation will visit the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) near Cotonou to draw practical lessons from Benin’s approach to agricultural value addition, industrial infrastructure, and export-oriented production. This full study of Benin's industrial successes also includes a focus on investment mobilisation and skills development, key elements for Nigeria's economic growth. The visit is key as the Federal Government seeks to rebuild Nigeria’s textile industry, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic revitalization and job creation.
Delegation and Objectives
Vice President Kashim Shettima's delegation included some state governors and senior officials from the Federal Government, showing the national importance of this mission. The visit aims to provide an opportunity to examine how Nigeria can develop stronger linkages among cotton farmers, ginneries, spinning mills, textile manufacturers, fashion businesses, and export markets. This integrated approach is seen as vital for creating a strong and self-sustaining textile ecosystem within Nigeria.
The delegation is also expected to explore opportunities for technology and industrial training. This exploration includes assessing modern machinery, reliable energy systems, common processing facilities, and the potential for stronger public-private partnerships within the textile sector. By understanding Benin's operational models, Nigeria hopes to implement strategies that will enhance efficiency, productivity, and global competitiveness in its own textile industry. The focus on technology transfer and skills development is particularly important for equipping the Nigerian workforce with the expertise needed for modern industrial practices.
Benin's Industrial Model
Particular attention during Vice President Kashim Shettima's visit will be given to the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) textile park. This facility operates an integrated production system designed to cover the entire textile value chain. Its operations encompass cotton spinning, weaving, fabric processing, and garment manufacturing within a single, cohesive framework. This end-to-end integration allows for streamlined production, quality control, and reduced lead times, which are critical advantages in the global textile market.
The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone itself spans approximately 1,640 hectares. This extensive area supports the integrated industrial model that Nigeria's delegation is studying for potential application in its own textile sector revitalization efforts. The model's efficiency in managing various stages of production, from raw material processing to finished goods, is a key focus for the Nigerian delegation, as it seeks to replicate similar successes in Nigeria's Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones. The scale and full nature of GDIZ offer valuable insights into developing large-scale industrial infrastructure.
Nigeria's Textile Industry Context
Nigeria’s textile, apparel, and footwear industry recorded a valuation of approximately ₦8.15 trillion at current prices in 2024. This sector is a significant component of the national economy, contributing substantially to the country's Gross Domestic Product. The industry also generated ₦2.45 trillion in nominal output during the first quarter of 2025, according to official figures. These valuations show the economic scale of the textile sector as Nigeria aims to rebuild and expand its domestic production capabilities. The Federal Government's focus on this industry reflects its potential for job creation and economic diversification, moving Nigeria away from over-reliance on crude oil exports. Revitalizing the textile sector is expected to create numerous employment opportunities across the value chain, from farming to manufacturing and retail.
Support and Future Plans
The African Development Bank is providing support for upcoming initiatives in Nigeria's textile sector. The institution is backing plans for a garment-training centre, which is slated to be established within Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme. This new facility will be located in Ogun State, strategically positioned to serve a region with significant agricultural and industrial potential. The support from the African Development Bank aligns with broader efforts to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and develop skilled labor within the textile and garment industry. The training centre is expected to contribute to the overall revitalization of the sector by equipping workers with specialized skills needed for modern textile production and garment manufacturing, thereby fostering a competitive and skilled workforce.
