The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority, NEPZA, has restated its commitment to make Ekiti State a major free trade zone in Nigeria by supporting the state in delivering economic and knowledge free zone where education based industries and technological companies can operate from.
The Managing Director of the Authority, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba made this known in Ado-Ekiti during a courtesy visit to Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday.
The NEPZA boss said the establishment of the economic zone would boost the economy of the state and increase its internally generated revenue as well as reduce over-reliance on federal allocation.
Prof. Adesugba commended the Governor for been proactive and for his ideas of creating Education and Knowledge zone, describing it as novel. He assured the state of the support of the authority and prompt completion of the project.
Prof Adesugba, who assured Nigerians that the free trade zone would be ready within 18 months, said he was in the state to confirm the commitment of the Federal Government towards the successful completion of the project. He called on drivers and captains of industries to invest in the state when the zone is ready.
In his remarks, Governor Biodun Oyebanji stressed the need for the Federal Government to fast-track the completion of the project to attract more investors to the state, adding that productivity would always lead to shared prosperity.
While using the opportunity to flaunt the intellectual resources of the state, the Governor stated that it is not wise for any state to drive its economy on monthly federal allocation as it cannot be used for effective wealth creation.
