Michael James
Leeds, England — The Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi has said the state’s readiness to commit significant resources into revamping the Maigatari Free Trade Zone largely hinged on the new focused and result-oriented management approach of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) under Prof. Adesoji Adesugba.
The governor stated this during a courtesy visit on the NEPZA’s Managing Director on Tuesday in Abuja.
Namadi said that Adesugba’s professional management approach had visibly brought positive changes in the way and manner NEPZA and the country’s free zones were now managed.
He explained that the Authority and the scheme had both become household names, noting that the development had increase the propensity of more state governments to embrace the scheme.
The governor stated that his administration was relying on the expertise of the Authority to revamp the Maigatari Free Trade Zone in order to catalyze economic activity in the state.
“We are seeking your assistance on how to navigate around our near moribund Maigatari Free Trade Zone. No serious activity is going on there; perhaps just two or three enterprises are functioning. No serious government will allow such a promising business landscape to stay fallow.
“Your new management approach of understanding and commitment to assisting free trade zones’ investors and zone management companies and stakeholders have given us the courage and impetus to approach you, regardless our indebtedness to the Authority.
“The state is now in the position to use the scheme to drive its Economic Plan and we shall continually knock at your door for guidance and investment promotion tips,’’ the governor said.
The NEPZA boss expressed delight on the state’s renewed commitment to use the scheme to boost economic activity in the state, adding that the Maigatari Free Trade Zone had great potentials to jump-start the economy of the state.
Adesugba further explained that sub-national governments must embrace the scheme to develop their localities, pointing that it was a viable economic tool to address the challenges of development financing.
“The Free Trade Zone remains a dynamic global economic template which when managed properly will attract Foreign Direct Investments, generate employment, boost revenues and fast track industrialisation. So, Your Excellency, you have taken a noble step and about to re-lunch Jigawa State as a business haven.
“The authority will not only assist in resuscitating the zone, we will collaboratively ensure that the right investments are attracted to the zone,’’ Adesugba said.
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