The Cross River State Government has officially handed over the state-owned Garment Factory, Fertilizer Plant, and Sack/Bag Factory to Jampur Group, an Indian company, under a 20-year concession agreement.
The initiative is in line with the governor Bassey Otu’s led administration to enhance job creation and provide economic opportunities for citizens of the state.
Speaking at the handover ceremony which took place during the weekend at the Ayade Industrial Park Calabar, the State Governor, Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Patrick Egbede, stressed that the concession aligns with his administration’s commitment to generating employment for youths.
The state chief executive averred that the concession was structured under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, ensuring that the industries will remain operational and productive in the next two decades.
The governor stressed that Jampur Group was selected based on its strong track record of integrity and excellence in Nigeria and globally, expressing confidence that the partnership would lead to job creation and increased opportunities for residents of the state.
Earlier, the state commissioner for Industry, Dr. Mathias Angioha, lauded Governor Otu, for recognising the need to transfer the industries to private management for improved efficiency.
“Today, we are gathered here to witness the handover of some of our industries to Jampur Group. As we all know, in developed countries, industries are not managed by the state but are rather concessioned for better and more effective operations,” He maintained.
Angioha stressed that the concession would drive the state’s industrialisation agenda, boost government revenue, reduce financial burdens, and enhance public services.
Also speaking the director general of the Bureau of Public-Private Partnership, Dr. Francis Ntamu, stated that the handover was not an outright sale but a PPP-driven initiative aimed at ensuring sustainability and efficiency.
Speaking on behalf of Jampur Group, Muhammed Akmal assured the government and people of Cross River State that they would not regret the partnership.
“Over the years, Jampur Group has built a reputation for honesty, integrity, and competence. We are committed to upholding these values as we commence operations, and the people of Cross River State can expect nothing but excellence,” Akamal stated.
