(Kano)
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone (NEPZ) to accelerate Nigeria’s quest for industrial development.
The monarch made the remark while receiving in audience, the Managing director of the Authority, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba who paid him courtesy visit in Kano.
The Emir, who was represented by Alhaji Muhammad Dankadai, the Sarkin Shanu of Kano, expressed the hope that the establishment of Free Trade Zone (FTZ) would encourage production, reduce importation and enhance wealth creation in the country.
The monarch also expressed optimism that operations of the EPZ would assist Nigeria to address economic challenges, occasioned by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
He expressed commitment of the emirate council that would ensure the succees of the principles and ideals of NEPZA toward boosting production, reducing dependence on import and alleviating poverty.
“The important aspect we cherish most is for the investors to come, produce and export from our country,”the emir said.
Earlier, NEPZA had told the monarch that he was in the state on a familiarisation tour of the FTZ Kano; to assess facilities and suggest ways of improving its operations.
Adesugba disclosed that the Authority planned to provide incentives and loans to woo foreign investments in the FTZ in the country.
He added that the Federal Government had approved power projects to boost energy supply to enterprises operating in the FTZ Kano.
The NEPZA boss said the Authority would upgrade water reticulation system, to enhance water supply to the enterprises and improve infrastructure as well as construct security and investors’ residence in the Kano zone.
He assured the monarch that the Federal Government accorded priority to the development of the FTZ, to fast-track sustainable industrial, social and economic development in the county.
According to him,Free Trade Zone is the strategy used by many countries to industrialise.
“The FTZ Kano can be used to showcase the possibilities in Nigeria and we are working to see that it takes its rightful place in the African Free Trade Zone.
“The Federal Government is keen to use the FTZ to attract foreign direct investments in the country.
“FTZ is important in attracting industries hitherto operating in other countries close to our borders or within our territory, to stimulate transfer of technology, encourage competition and employment generation,”he explained.
Adesugba also assured that FTZ would protect Nigeria from becoming a dumping ground for countries with strong base investments.
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