By Dada Ahmed (Abuja)
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones (NEPZA) says a total of 40 companies have expressed interest to execute some of the country’s constituency projects earmarked for 2020, to be midwife by the Authority.
Mr Martins Ode,Head, Corporate Communication, NEPZA in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said the projects for which tender was opened on Monday in Abuja include: Empowerment of Girls and Women on Entrepreneurship and Skills in Ogoja Iyala,/Bekwara,/Obudu/Obanliku in Cross River North.
Others,he added, are:, Entrepreneurship Training/ Grant Provision for Women in Osun East Senatorial District and Training on Construction/Rehabilitation of Roads in Anambra North Senatorial District.
The two others which were the Authority’s direct projects include Environmental Audit for Kano Free Trade Zone and Environment Audit for Calabar Free Trade Zone respectively, he added.
Odeh also disclosed that the exercise which was conducted via zoom had all the representatives of companies that submitted their bids for participation.witnessed by external observers including the Bureau of Public Procurement and a number of non-state actors.
In his remarks, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Managing Director of NEPZA, assured the participating companies of continued transparency and fairness until the process is concluded.
Adesugba, who also doubled as the chairman of the event, said NEPZA had always conducted its bidding process in line with the procurement rules, adding that such consistent positive posture had won the Authority some laurels.
“This is the first time the Authority is conducting this exercise via zoom and we all know why this is so. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to reduce physical contact as much as possible. But let me assure you that the process will remain transparent and fair.
“Today’s opening of expression of interest kicks off this very important exercise that would see us engaging the most qualified companies to handle the projects that we had advertised.
“Those that have expressed interest would have the opportunity to ask questions from this moment until the final day when winners would be announced. Be rest assured that we would be ready to provide answers to your questions,’’ the NEPZA boss said.
Meanwhile, the opening of tender for projects on the: Provision of Learning Materials include Science Equipment and Textbooks to various Schools in Cross River North.
Others are; provision of Computer Set/Printers and Backups in various Schools/Purchase of Laptops and Training of the Youth on Repairs in Cross River North, as well as Supply of Empowerment Materials for Youths and Women in Zamfara West Senatorial District, fixed for October 12.
