Ebonyi joins others as export processing zone—FG

Federal Government said that it has designated Ebonyi as one of Nigeria’s export processing zones. For the speedy take-off, the Ebonyi Government has allocated a parcel of land to the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), for the project. Gov. Dave Umahi handed over the allocation letter to the Managing Director of the Authority, Prof. Adesoji Adasugba in Abakaliki on Tuesday. He expressed the hope that the project will stimulate growth and create employment. The governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Kelechi Igwe, said his administration was in a hurry to develop the state and ready to explore available opportunities.

He appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action on the project for the benefit of the people. “We hope that the project, when completed, will stimulate the economy of the state and generate employment for our youths,” Umahi said.

Earlier, Adesugba had explained that NEPZA is saddled with the responsibility to establish, licence, regulate and operate highly efficient free zones by providing a highly competitive incentive scheme, excellent support facilities and service.

He added that the authority is committed to creating an enabling environment for export, manufacturing and other commercial activities to thrive.

“The export processing zone will engender economic growth and enhance export, manufacturing, economic and commercial activities in the state. We are hopeful that the state will maximise fully the economic potential that will open up by the NEPZA ,” Adasugba said. He said NEPZA was attracted to Ebonyi by the member representing Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Sylvester Ogbaga, and commended the zeal so far shown by Ebonyi Government to embrace it. In his remarks, Ogbaga said efforts would be made to capture the project in the 2021 budget to ensure speedy completion.