One of the standout solutions presented at the 2024 China Commodities Expo-Nigeria was the ARISE Integrated Industrial Platform.
The event itself, highlighted Nigeria’s strong trade ties with China, underscoring the growing bilateral relationship that has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
CCE 2024 was proof of the enduring partnership that has facilitated infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation across Nigeria.
China is Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with trade volume expected to reach $22.56 billion by 2028. This impressive milestone underscores the importance of events like this in fostering deeper economic ties between both nations.
How the platform contributes to Nigeria’s Growth
ARISE Integrated Industrial Platform is a leading player in logistics, special economic zones (SEZs), and infrastructure development across Africa.
Represented by Fehintola Ddulaja at the CCE 2024, ARISE introduced its latest project: the Industrial Platform Renewal in Ogun State, Nigeria, which will have a profound impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The company’s vision is to shift Africa from being a raw material exporter to a continent that emphasises manufacturing and processing. This aligns with Nigeria’s drive for economic diversification and self-reliance, especially in the agricultural sector.
It aims to develop industrial zones that unlock value chains by focusing on agro-processing and manufacturing, rather than merely exporting raw materials.
Strategic location and infrastructure for agriculture
Ogun State, chosen as the site for ARISE’s first industrial platform in Nigeria, plays a key role in the company’s strategy. The state, known as the Gateway State, offers proximity to critical infrastructure like airports, seaports, and roads, making it an ideal location for manufacturing and export.
ARISE will develop a 5,000-hectare industrial zone in the Chagam Brembo cluster, which is set to become a hub for agro-processing and other value-added industries.
The inclusion of the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) in this project, backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), will significantly boost Nigeria’s agro-processing capacity.
Ogun State is one of the seven states designated for SAPZ development, which aims to enhance the value chains for crops like cassava, soybeans, sesame, and nuts. By integrating agro-processing into the industrial platform, ARISE is setting the stage for Nigeria to reduce its dependence on raw material exports and instead drive value through processing and manufacturing.
Key benefits for Nigerian farmers
ARISE’s industrial zones will provide Nigerian farmers with direct access to processing facilities, which will add value to their raw agricultural produce. Farmers will benefit from the infrastructure and logistics support provided by the company, making it easier to transport goods to local and international markets. Additionally, there will be a focus on creating carbon-positive zones that align with global sustainability goals, ensuring that agricultural and industrial growth is environmentally conscious.
Furthermore, the development of agro-processing hubs in Ogun State will open new opportunities for Nigerian youth in the agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors. With a strategic location and robust infrastructure, the zones will provide the necessary tools and resources for young entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive in the agro-processing industry.
The platform will offer a single window clearance system that simplifies processes by eliminating the need to visit multiple agencies, reducing paperwork, and speeding up clearance times. There are also storage and logistics solutions made available for processors.
Conclusion
As Nigeria continues to diversify its economy, ARISE Integrated Industrial Platform’s initiatives offer a clear path forward, particularly in the agricultural sector.
By focusing on value chains and agro-processing, the company is supporting Nigeria’s vision to become a manufacturing and processing powerhouse, ultimately reducing reliance on raw material exports. The partnership between ARISE, the Nigerian government, and international stakeholders signals a brighter future for Nigerian farmers and agricultural businesses, creating more jobs, boosting productivity, and enabling Nigeria to compete on the global stage.
The future looks promising for Nigerian agriculture, with companies like this leading the charge toward a more industrialised and self-reliant nation.
