NEPZA begins technical study of proposed Ekiti FTZ

Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) says it has agreed a two-week deadline with the Ekiti government to submit a technical report on the proposed “Knowledge and Technology” Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

This is stated in a recently issued statement by Dr. Martins Odeh, Head of Corporate Communications, NEPZA.

Odeh said the proposed knowledge and technology free trade zone will be established in Ado Ekiti.

“The parties agreed on a February 7, 2023 deadline for submitting the report after NEPZA General Manager/CEO Professor Adesoji Adesugba inspected the site and other associated infrastructure in Ado Ekiti on Thursday,” he said.

According to the statement, during a session with Governor Abiodun Oyebanji after the inspection, Prof. Adesugba said that the zone would be used to revolutionize Ekiti state.

The NEPZA boss explained that the state had the required background to venture into the specialized ecosystem.

Adesugba added that the state seemed determined to use its people with high academic and technological ability for profitability.

He assured NEPZA’s willingness to assist the state in achieving its goal of developing the first knowledge-based and virtual free zone in Africa.

“NEPZA is now very dynamic and innovative in the way it encourages the establishment of free zones in the country.

“This is a deliberate move by the federal government to boost trade and investment in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

“The Governor and I have therefore agreed to give a two-week deadline for the submission of the technical report after a more detailed inspection has been conducted by NEPZA officials in conjunction with other technical partners.

“Exactly, we will expect this report on February 7 for further transmission for presidential statement,” said Adesugba.

For his part, the governor expressed his delight at the visit of the NEPZA team to evaluate the capacity of the state to own and manage a free zone.

Oyebanji explained that the visit was a follow-up to his courtesy visit to the authority’s general manager where he sought support and guidance in setting up the Knowledge and Technology Free Zone.

“We have campaigned on a mantra of shared wealth so that we will be less dependent on sharing the monthly federation bill.

“Our goal is to drive development in the state, with or without the federation’s allotment bill.

“My exposure to the Lekki Free Trade Zone corridor is an eye-opener and we will meet all technical requirements to ensure we go through the various stages of approval,” said the governor.

He said the zone, when established, would attract wealth and prosperity to the state.

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