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Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, second right, receives the licence for the Delta Special Economic Zone from MD of NEPZA, Professor Adesoji Adesugba in a photo with other officials.
By Anthony Maliki, Abuja
Despite few weeks to the end of his tenure, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has continue to provide inroads for the economic development of the state.
This time, the state government formally received the licence for the operation of the Delta Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) from the Federal Government through Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
At a short, modest but colourful ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, Delta State Governor said the state is in a hurry to make the economic zone work.
According to him, the Warri Port and Asaba and Warri airports clear advantages in the industry.
The Governor pointed out that the government is not only ready for the partnership with the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) but the rest of Nigeria especially the organized private sector and the global community.
Governor Okowa said the state will continue to provide a conducive environment, peaceful and welcoming environment and also work with the rest of Nigerians to ensure development of human capital.
He noted that the state wants to ensure the economic zone works for all and called on NEPZA and its management staff to continue to offer the best of advice and support that is needed to make things work much faster not only for Delta State but for nation.
“I want to assure you that despite the fact that I existing in the next one month, the government of Delta State is continuing and by the special grace of God a lot of emphasis will be placed to the development of the special economic zone,” Governor Okowa stressed.
In his speech, the Managing Director of NEPZA, Professor Adesoji Adesugba said with the coming of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria needs to be very competitive and bullish.
He said though there are about $22billion investment in free zones in Lagos, it can replicate in other states of the country.
The Managing Director said Delta State stands to gain and well-positioned and all it needs is that leadership, that vision which the Governor has showed.
He prayed that whoever is taking over from the governor will key into this and make sure that actaulised this.
Professor Adesugba said NEPZA is willing, ready and capable of giving all the necessary support and needed absolute 100 per cent of government support to actualize this and also understating the need to cultivate the private sector to be in the lead.
In his remarks, a former President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Lead Consultant to the Delta Special Economic Zone (DSEZ), Prince Adetokunbo Kayode said with the licence of the Zone, a seed has been planted for the industrial development of Delta State.
He expressed delight to be associated with and deliver the project to help the development of the country.
