By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for deeper technology transfer and local production partnerships between Nigeria and European countries as a strategy to unlock economic growth, create jobs, and reduce irregular migration.
According to the statement signed by Udora Orizu -the SA Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kalu made the appeal while receiving a delegation of European parliamentarians under the First Step Forum, led by Marc Jost, during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared global challenges.
Central to his proposal is the adoption of the “near-shoring” economic model, which involves relocating industrial processes closer to the source of raw materials. According to the Deputy Speaker, such a shift would enable Nigeria to maximise its vast natural resources while fostering industrialisation and employment.
“We have a huge youth population. You have the capital and the technology; we have the raw materials. The question is why are we not practising what the economy calls near-shoring?” Kalu said.
He explained that near-shoring would allow Nigeria to move away from exporting raw commodities to producing finished goods locally. Using cocoa as an example, Kalu stressed the need for value addition within the country.
“Why should I export my cocoa when you can bring your technology and finance here to turn it into chocolate? Let our cocoa farms become chocolate factories. That is value addition, that is job creation,” he added.
Kalu also highlighted Nigeria’s significant lithium deposits, describing them as among the best globally, and underscored the importance of partnerships to support local battery production, especially as the world shifts towards clean energy solutions.
Beyond economic cooperation, the Deputy Speaker called for a reset in Africa-Europe relations, urging both regions to move beyond historical grievances and embrace a future built on mutual respect and shared prosperity.
On national unity, Kalu described Nigeria’s religious diversity as a strength that enhances governance and inclusive decision-making.
“Our diversity is not a disadvantage; it is a beautiful coloration that allows us to see issues from multiple perspectives,” he said.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting religious harmony, noting that the administration’s policies and symbolic actions reflect a commitment to inclusivity across faith lines.
The meeting underscored growing interest in strengthening Nigeria-Europe ties through sustainable economic models and collaborative development initiatives.
