The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Delta State government are seeking to boost investment inflow into the country, as stakeholders plan incentives to attract investors.
The move is expected to see the establishment of a new Special Economic Zone Scheme in Delta on the backdrop of extant and emerging infrastructure.
Managing Director of NEPZA, Adesoji Adesugba, while delivering Delta Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) licence, said the development remained a key strategy for economic development in the state and Nigeria at large.
Adesugba said the country’s population is increasing significantly, making economic zone arrangements a leeway for creating jobs and growing the economy.
He said: “We have reactivated the banking free zone in Borno state, we are all aware of the advantages of the free zones, especially the inflow of the much-needed investment, into places like Lagos.
We have achieved a $1 billion investment with the development of the free port. We want to replicate all these wins across the country, each state government uses this to activate the potential of the state in terms of the economy. We want states to produce competitively; we want youths to be very competitive.
“There is a need for more investments and major economic interventions in the DSEZ to achieve this, adding it has to be planned and strategic by engaging youths, upskilling them and utilising technology.”
Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, said: “There is a need to work together to make the special economic zone work for all. We have been able to put up a seasoned team. We are in a hurry to get the special economic zone work for Delta and Nigeria.
“We have a great advantage in our state because we produce a lot of gas, we also produce a lot of oil and agriculture.
I believe that we’re set for this nation and the world.
“We have several towns and cities developing at a fast pace and we also have a lot of road networks, the dualize Warri-Asaba road which spans over 160 Kilometre (km) of road that leads to several places. We also have the Warri Port and we believe that Cocoa Port is something that will be of great advantage to us.”
