Industrialisation key to economic expansion — Edo commissioner

The Need for Renewed Commitment towards Industrialisation in Nigeria

The Edo State Commissioner, Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Hon. Patrick Iria Uanseru has emphasized the importance of industrialisation in achieving sustained and inclusive economic expansion. In his address at the 2023 Africa Industrialisation Day, Uanseru highlighted the need for renewed commitment towards inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and economic diversification.

Africa Industrialisation Day

The Africa Industrialisation Day, recognised by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 1989, is celebrated on November 20th every year. It serves as a platform to promote industrialisation in Africa and raise awareness about its importance in achieving economic growth and development.

Industrialisation for Economic Expansion

Uanseru stressed that industrialisation plays a crucial role in boosting productivity, increasing employee competencies, and creating jobs. By incorporating new equipment and processes, industries can contribute to sustained and inclusive economic expansion.

Edo State Government’s Commitment to Industrialisation

Under the leadership of Godwin Obaseki, the Edo State Government has demonstrated its commitment to industrialisation and sustainability. The government has implemented various reforms to address bureaucratic constraints in the business environment and drive the industrialisation process in Edo State.

• The government has embraced digitalisation by going paperless (e-gov) to reduce waste.
• Sustainable transportation has been encouraged to promote eco-friendly practices.
• Renewable energy initiatives have been introduced to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The Edo State Geographical Information Service (GIS) has also simplified the process of acquiring land documentation for investment purposes, reducing the time required. These initiatives aim to attract investors and position Edo State as the preferred investment destination in Nigeria.

Benin Enterprise Park

The Benin Enterprise Park, an initiative of Obaseki’s administration, is set to become Nigeria’s premier mixed enterprise park. Spanning 997 hectares, it combines industrial, commercial, and residential zones in strategically located real estate. The park aims to attract world-class industries that seek to be at the logistical center of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant economy.

Benin River Port

The decision to develop a port in Edo State is based on its economic viability and the social-economic benefits it will bring to the people. The proposed Benin River Port, located at the confluence of the Benin River and Osse River, is only 32km away from the coastline. It is named after Benin City, the historical capital city of Edo State, and extends to the Republic of Benin. The port will be developed as a specialized and dedicated port, aligning with the Federal Government’s initiative to diversify the economy away from oil and into sectors such as agriculture and agro-allied business.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The article discusses the need for renewed commitment towards industrialization in Nigeria and emphasizes that industrialization is crucial for sustained and inclusive economic expansion. This aligns with SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article mentions that incorporating new equipment and processes in industries can boost productivity, increase employee competencies, and create jobs. This relates to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article highlights the development of the Benin Enterprise Park, which aims to attract world-class industries and create a mixed enterprise park combining industrial, commercial, and residential zones. This aligns with SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article mentions that the Edo State Government has taken steps to reduce waste by going paperless (e-gov) and encouraging sustainable transportation and renewable energy. This relates to SDG 12, which focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization

The article emphasizes the need for renewed commitment towards industrialization in Nigeria to achieve sustained and inclusive economic expansion. This aligns with Target 9.2 under SDG 9.

Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation

The article mentions that incorporating new equipment and processes in industries can boost productivity. This relates to Target 8.2 under SDG 8, which aims to achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.

Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization

The article discusses the development of the Benin Enterprise Park, which aims to create a mixed enterprise park combining industrial, commercial, and residential zones. This aligns with Target 11.3 under SDG 11, which focuses on enhancing inclusive and sustainable urbanization.

Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

The article mentions that the Edo State Government has taken steps to reduce waste by going paperless (e-gov) and encouraging sustainable transportation and renewable energy. This relates to Target 12.2 under SDG 12, which aims to achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicator 9.2.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita

The article emphasizes the importance of industrialization for sustained and inclusive economic expansion. To measure progress towards Target 9.2 under SDG 9, the indicator 9.2.1 can be used to track the manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita.

Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita

The article mentions that incorporating new equipment and processes in industries can boost productivity. To measure progress towards Target 8.2 under SDG 8, the indicator 8.2.1 can be used to track the annual growth rate of real GDP per capita.

Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate

The article discusses the development of the Benin Enterprise Park, which aims to create a mixed enterprise park combining industrial, commercial, and residential zones. To measure progress towards Target 11.3 under SDG 11, the indicator 11.3.1 can be used to track the ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate.

Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP

The article mentions that the Edo State Government has taken steps to reduce waste by going paperless (e-gov) and encouraging sustainable transportation and renewable energy. To measure progress towards Target 12.2 under SDG 12, the indicator 12.2.1 can be used to track the material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators