NEPZA To Make Ekiti Major Free Trade Zone

The Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority ( NEPZA) has pledged to make Ekiti State a major free trade zone in Nigeria.

This the federal government agency hopes to achieve by supporting the state in delivering an economic and knowledge free zone where education based industries and technological companies can operate from.

The NEPZA Managing Director, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba who disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti during a courtesy visit to Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanj said the economic zone when established would boost the economy of the state and increase its internally generated revenue as well as reduce over-reliance on federal allocation.

Prof. Adesugba who commended the Governor for being proactive and creating Education and Knowledge zone, described it as novel and assured the state of the support of the authority and prompt completion of the project.

While assuring Nigerians that the free trade zone would be ready within 18 months, the NEPZA boss said he was in the state to confirm the commitment of the Federal Government towards the successful completion of the project.

He called on drivers and captains of industry to invest in the state when the zone is ready.

In his remarks, Governor Biodun Oyebanji stressed the need for the federal government to fast-track the completion of the project to attract more investors to the state, adding that productivity would always lead to shared prosperity.

He said, “As a government, I am ready to lead from the front, I am ready to provide every support that is needed to drive this to ensure success and meet the stipulated deadline, because without that certification, we won’t be able to do anything and investors will not come, but if you are able to attract them and bring them here and that is why we are working hard on the Airport to compliment what we are doing. ‘’