Shettima visits Benin's industrial zone with six state governors

Vice President Kashim Shettima has travelled to the Republic of Benin for a working visit centred on learning from the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone near Cotonou. The delegation departed Abuja on Thursday and includes six state governors: Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), and Umar Namadi (Jigawa).

Federal Government ministers and senior officials also accompanied the delegation. Upon arrival in Cotonou, Shettima was received by Beninese officials including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Tourism and External Trade.

The delegation held a briefing session to outline the objectives of the visit. The core focus centres on examining how Nigeria can adopt lessons from Benin's industrial infrastructure, particularly its integrated textile production system operating within the industrial zone.

The visit aims to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria and Benin on agricultural value addition and industrial development. The textile park at Glo-Djigbé is being studied as a potential model for reviving Nigeria's struggling textile sector.

The delegation plans to engage with Beninese government representatives, private investors, and operators involved in managing and developing the industrial hub. Nigeria's textile industry has faced significant challenges in recent years and represents a key area for economic diversification and employment creation.

By examining Benin's operational model, the government intends to identify practical pathways for attracting investment and establishing modern manufacturing capacity at home. The visit also explores opportunities for technology transfer and workforce training initiatives.