By Paul Joseph
Vice President Kashim Shettima has led a high-powered Nigerian delegation, including six state governors and senior government officials, on a working visit to the Republic of Benin as part of the Federal Government’s drive to revive Nigeria’s struggling textile industry.
According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President, the delegation is visiting the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), located near Cotonou, to undertake a firsthand assessment of the industrial hub and explore how its successful model can be replicated in Nigeria.
The delegation comprises Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, and Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.
The working visit is expected to support the implementation of Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme by examining strategies for expanding industrial processing, garment manufacturing and skills development across the country.
During the visit, the Nigerian team is also scheduled to engage with officials of the Beninese government, investors and private-sector stakeholders to gain insights into how the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone successfully integrates cotton production, textile processing and garment manufacturing for export.
The Federal Government believes lessons from the industrial zone will provide practical solutions for rebuilding Nigeria’s textile and garment industry, reducing dependence on imported fabrics, creating employment opportunities and boosting non-oil exports.
The initiative forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader economic diversification agenda aimed at promoting local manufacturing, industrial growth and sustainable economic development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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