The Niger State Government is set to replicate the sustainable model of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial zone in the Republic of Benin at the Special Agro-Processing zone, Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna.
This initiative follows Governor Umaru Bago’s visit to the Republic of Benin to foster partnerships, empower local industries, and drive long-term economic growth.
Governor Bago, during his tour of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial zone, conducted a peer review to assess the progress achieved there and to extract key lessons that could be applied to the development of the Special Agro-Processing zone in Minna.
Impressed by the standards at Glo-Djigbé, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with the Beninese government to bring much-needed growth and development to the people of Niger State.
He described the relationship between Niger State and the Republic of Benin as developmental, adding that his administration stands to benefit significantly from lessons drawn from one of West Africa’s foremost industrial hubs, renowned for its expertise in textiles, agro-processing, and export-oriented manufacturing.
In his remarks, the minister of State for Agriculture, Abdullahi Aliyu Sabi, emphasised that much can be achieved through collaboration with the Beninese government. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is leveraging such partnerships in agriculture as part of the broader strategy to achieve a $1 trillion economy.
The director-general of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone, Letondji Beheton, expressed gratitude to the Niger State Government for exploring a partnership with the Beninese authorities.
He said the collaboration would strengthen the economies of both Nigeria and Benin, and added that preparations are underway to produce large quantities of high-quality seeds for distribution to farmers to boost agricultural yields.
LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that Niger State shares a border with the Republic of Benin through Babbanna in Borgu Local Government Area.
The state government had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance agro-industrial collaboration.
