By Rasheeda Hamidu
Six state governors have pledged to apply lessons from the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in the Republic of Benin to strengthen agro-industrial processing, create jobs and boost value addition in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The governors made the pledge on Saturday after joining Vice President Kashim Shettima on an inspection of the integrated industrial zone near Cotonou, according to a statement by the State House.
The delegation comprised Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina and Umar Namadi of Jigawa, the Presidency said.
According to the State House, the governors said the industrial zone demonstrated how reliable infrastructure, government policy and private-sector investment could connect farmers with processors while reducing exports of raw agricultural commodities.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the visit as an African peer-learning mission aimed at helping Nigerian states adopt proven industrial practices for agro-processing.
“We have examined the cotton, cashew and soybean value chains. What we have seen has been a tremendous success, and we will take these lessons back to Nigeria as we implement our own projects,” AbdulRazaq said.
Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi said the visit provided practical lessons that would support implementation of Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme and help create sustainable jobs through agricultural value addition.
NatureNews notes that agro-industrial processing reduces post-harvest losses, increases farmers’ incomes, lowers waste and supports more sustainable food systems by converting raw agricultural produce into higher-value products.
The Presidency said Nigeria’s first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme covers seven states and the Federal Capital Territory with support from the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
NatureNews reports that expanding agro-industrial processing could strengthen food security, reduce agricultural waste and contribute to more climate-resilient rural economies across Nigeria.
