Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday said the state was in a hurry to ensure that its newly approved Special Economic Zone (SEZ) improves the economic fortunes of Deltans and the country in general.
Speaking in Abuja, at the official presentation of licence for the Delta State Special Economic Zone (DSEZ), the governor expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, as well as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo for approving the free zone for the state.
He said Delta state was ready to partner NEPZA and the organised private sector (OPS) and the global community to ensure that the state was able to provide a competitive, peaceful environment and a welcoming environment.
“We will work with the rest of Nigerians to ensure that we are able to develop the human capital which would also be needed for the growth of industries,” he said.
Okowa said the fact that the state produces a lot of gas and oil coupled with significant involvement in agriculture provides it with a great advantage to attract huge investment into the free zone.
He added that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state as well as infrastructure such as seaports and airports would further endear the state to investors.
He said, “There’s no doubt that there is a lot of peace in our state; yes, there is trouble, and challenges here and there as it is all over the world but Delta State is relatively peaceful. And we believe we have put everything in place to encourage investors to come in to invest.
“We believe that the Koko port is something that would be of great advantage to us. We have two functional airports one in Asaba and the other in Warri and these are clear advantages in the industry.”
The governor also assured that the exit of his administration within the next month would not truncate the state’s vision for the SEZ.
He said, “The government of Delta State is continuing and by the special grace of God, a lot of emphasis would be paid to the development of the special economic zone and our hands are wide open to receive investors in this free zone.
“We also have our agro-industrial park which the work would likely be finished by the end of June and I believe that this would also be complementary.
“Yes, the administration is winding down but Delta State Government continues. It is a laudable project and everything is already on course – we have a good consultant and I am also quite grateful to the Managing Director of NEPZA who had been helping to drive the process.
“But it is something that is of a clear advantage and so the new administration coming in will definitely take it seriously and we can also put up a board that we can trust and we believe that they would be able to drive the process and everything will work well for the economy.”
In his remarks, Prof Adesugba called for massive investment in the sector, noting that some countries are already addressing their developmental challenges by harnessing the huge advantages in their economic zones.
He said, “Everybody is talking about Lagos. In Lagos, there is $22 billion investment in free zones and we believe that we can replicate what is happening in Lagos in Delta and other states. Delta State stands to gain and is well-positioned. All it needs is that leadership; the vision which Governor Okowa has shown, and we are praying that whoever is taking over from him will key into this and make sure that we actualize this. NEPZA is willing and capable of giving you all the necessary support.”
