Kalu Advocates Tech Transfer, Local Manufacturing to Boost Jobs, Curb Migration

Kalu Advocates Tech Transfer, Local Manufacturing to Boost Jobs, Curb Migration

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR, has called for stronger technology transfer and local manufacturing partnerships between Nigeria and European countries as a strategic pathway to drive job creation, harness the nation’s abundant raw materials, and reduce irregular migration.

Kalu made the call while receiving a delegation of European parliamentarians under the First Step Forum, led by Marc Jost, during a courtesy visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations and fostering collaboration on shared global challenges.

Central to his advocacy was the economic model of “near-shoring,” which promotes the relocation of industrial capacity, technology, and finance closer to regions where raw materials are sourced—particularly in Africa.

“We have a vast 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 stated.

He explained that near-shoring involves establishing production processes within resource-rich countries rather than exporting raw materials for value addition abroad.

According to him, Nigeria must transition from exporting primary commodities such as cocoa and lithium to processing them locally into finished products like chocolate and electric vehicle batteries.

“Why export cocoa when technology and investment can be brought here to produce chocolate? Let our cocoa farms evolve into chocolate factories. That is value addition. That is job creation,” he said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s significant lithium reserves—among the best globally—Kalu stressed the urgency of forging partnerships that would enable local battery production, especially amid the global shift toward clean energy.

He further called for a reset in Africa-Europe relations, urging both sides to move beyond historical grievances and embrace a future built on mutual respect, equitable partnerships, and shared prosperity.

On Nigeria’s religious diversity, the Deputy Speaker described it as a national strength that enhances inclusive governance and balanced decision-making.

“Our diversity is not a weakness; it is a rich blend that enables us to approach issues from multiple perspectives, fostering inclusive governance,” he noted.

Kalu also commended the inclusive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that despite religious differences, the President continues to promote unity and national cohesion through policies and symbolic actions—such as the recent unveiling of a chapel at the National Assembly attended by the First Lady.