Kalu Advocates In-Country Processing of Nigeria’s Raw Materials to Europe

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on European countries to prioritise processing Nigeria’s raw materials within the country as part of efforts to drive economic growth and job creation.

Kalu made the appeal in Abuja while receiving a delegation of European parliamentarians under the First Step Forum, stressing the need for stronger partnerships centred on technology transfer and local manufacturing.

He advocated a “near-shoring” approach, urging Europe to move industrial capacity and investment closer to resource-rich regions like Nigeria, rather than exporting raw materials for processing abroad.

According to him, Nigeria’s abundant natural resources should be harnessed through local value addition to stimulate the economy and reduce unemployment, particularly among young people.

Using cocoa as an example, Kalu said the country should transition from exporting raw produce to manufacturing finished goods such as chocolate, describing it as a pathway to sustainable economic development.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s lithium deposits, noting the potential for in-country production of batteries, especially as global demand rises with the shift towards cleaner energy.

Kalu further emphasised that such partnerships would help tackle the root causes of irregular migration by creating economic opportunities locally, while also strengthening Africa-Europe relations based on mutual benefit and shared prosperity.

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