The federal government on Wednesday presented an operational license to the Delta State Government to commence operations at the Delta Special Economic Zone (DSEZ).
The managing director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, who presented the license to the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, in Abuja, said the increase in special economic zones in the country is an indication that the economy is on the path of growth
He noted that many states are taking advantage of the special economic zones to boost gross domestic product.
“We have free zones scheme in Togo, Gabon, Ghana and all is now geared towards Nigeria, especially with the coming of Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA).
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“Most importantly, states are now developing SEZs to drive growth. We have about 22$bn free zones investment in Lagos and we can replicate that in other states, of which Delta is already positioned for that,” Adesugba noted.
He added that NEPZA will give all the support and rally government to support and rally the private sector to ensure the smooth take-off of the zone.
Similarly, the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, who was represented by the Director Trade, Suleiman Audu, reiterated the commitment of the ministry to support more states in establishing their special economic zones.
In his response, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said Delta State with its numerous advantages of being an oil and gas producing state as well as an agricultural hub, the government will ensure that the zone operated at its full capacity.
“The zone must work, and we have put up a seasoned team because we are in a hurry to get it working and because we have a great advantage as we produce a lot of oil and gas and also produce agricultural products too and I believe we are set for Nigeria and the world,” he said.
Okowa added that with two functional airports in Asaba and Warri, the state is ready for the partnership to ensure the provision of a competitive environment in developing human capital and boosting economic growth.
By Philip S. Clement & Baba Martins
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