Niger State Government has announced plans to replicate the sustainable model of the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone in the Republic of Benin at the Special Agro Processing Zone located at Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna.
This decision followed the visit of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to the Republic of Benin where he carried out a peer review of the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone to study its operations and adopt key lessons for implementation in Niger State. The initiative is aimed at forging stronger partnerships, empowering local industries, and driving long-term economic growth.
Governor Bago, who described himself as a farmer governor, expressed satisfaction with the standard of the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone and emphasized his determination to apply similar practices in Minna. He stated, “We are committed to partnering with Benin Republic to bring the much-needed growth and development to the people of Niger State.” He described the relationship between Niger State and the Beninese government as developmental and stressed that the state will learn from Benin’s model, which has become one of West Africa’s leading industrial hubs specializing in textiles, agro-processing, and export-oriented manufacturing.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Abdullahi Aliyu Sabi, speaking on the initiative, acknowledged the potential benefits of such partnerships. He said, “So much can be achieved through partnership with the Beninese government,” adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is leveraging agricultural collaborations as part of the drive towards achieving a one trillion dollar economy.
Director General of the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone, Letondji Beheton, expressed appreciation to Niger State for choosing to partner with the Beninese government. According to him, “The collaboration of both parties will result in the improvement of the economy of both Nigeria and Benin.” He further noted that the industrial zone is ready to produce and provide seeds to farmers to help increase agricultural yields.
The farmer governor and his delegation were later taken on a tour of the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone by the Director General, highlighting the importance of industrial cooperation and agricultural investment in strengthening regional economies.
