Manufacturers Fault Government’s Benin Industrial Tour, Demand Inclusion in Reform Plans

Local manufacturers have criticised the Federal Government’s decision to send Vice President Kashim Shettima and six state governors to Benin Republic to study the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone’s textile and agro-processing model. Prince Saviour Iche, president of the Association of Micro-Entrepreneurs of Nigeria, said the delegation should have included factory owners and organised private-sector groups. He argued that political office holders may lack the hands-on manufacturing experience needed to turn the lessons from the visit into workable industrial policies. Iche said key business bodies, including manufacturers, small-business owners and chambers of commerce, were not consulted. He also noted that some Nigerian manufacturers have moved operations to Benin because of high power costs, foreign-exchange instability and multiple taxation. The Presidency said the visit was a peer-learning exercise under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme, intended to help states develop industrial hubs and create jobs. Manufacturers insist that direct engagement with producers and action on operating costs are essential for any industrial revival.

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