NEPZA tasks FG, private sector on FTZs

Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Hon. Adamu Fanda, has called on the Federal Government and the private sector to ensure that the free zone scheme was strengthened using improved legal framework and sustained investments.

Speaking during his first official visit to the Authority’s headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja, the new board chair, said this would ensure economic growth for the nation.

Fanda noted that a well implemented free trade zone regime had proven to be a catalyst for manufacturing and economic growth in several parts of the world.

“China, Dubai, Japan, and South Korea are great examples of how special economic zones can be used to increase manufacturing capacity and deepen foreign exchange earnings.

“African countries like Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and our neighbour, Ghana are deploying the model to great advantage. Nigeria cannot be an exception. The free zones must work to fulfill the agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari for an industrialised Nigeria.”

The Managing Director, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, said his appointment was timely. He noted that several critical decisions and issues could now be addressed to advance ongoing reforms and strengthening of the agency, adding that the important position the board occupied could not be overemphasized.