….As Delta gets Special Economic zone operating licence
Governor of Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa has said that Delta state is in a hurry to get the special economic zone working .
Besides, Okowa said the Agro industrial park which is already at 60% completion will be ready for commissioning in June of this year.
Okowa who made this known after he received the Delta state Economic zone (DSEZ) licence for the free trade zone from the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority , NEPZA on Wednesday said, the park when completed will complement the Free trade zone.
Okowa, who was delighted about the licence, said “We are in a hurry to make the special economic zones working. Everything is in place to make it happen.
“We have created an enabling, competitive and peaceful environment for the industry to strive”
The governor recounted his administration’s infrastructural developments that will aid a successful growth of the free trade zone in Delta state.
“In Delta state , we have two standard airports, situated in Warri and Asaba , we have built a dual carriage road in warri-Ughelli -Asaba road, spanning up to 160km. We have the Warri Port and the koko port “
Okowa said Delta state is ready and cannot overemphasize the importance of the free trade zone.
He also said the Agro industrial park is 60% ready and will be ready for commission in June of this year. “This will complement the Free trade zone, ” he added .
The Agro–Industrial Park (DAIP) is located at Aboh-Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.
The 220 hectares park which is accessibly located at 20km from Asaba, the state capital, is intended to eliminate the prevailing infrastructural and operational bottlenecks to agro-industries by endowing a designated land area with dedicated uninterrupted power and water supply together with security, storage facilities and other operating amenities.
“The agro industrial park will complement the Free trade zone ” he added .
When asked if Delta can match the $22b Lagos state spent on economic zones, he said the nature of the investment will determine the amount of money you will spend. We are expecting a lot of investors and not one that will just do estimates.
“I think the best thing to do is to attract investors. Remember we have a lot of gas, so the petrochemical industry is strong. We are also into agriculture,so we are sure we will find a lot of investors “
Okowa also stated that he is sure the incoming government will definitely continue with this project.
“Government is a continuum , it is something that is of clear advantage so I am sure the next government will continue with it ”
The governor called on NEPZA to always advise the state government and always support it.
The Chief of staff to the governor, in his remarks thanked the Governor of Delta state for approving the special zone project.
He said one of the advantages of the free trade zone is the resuscitation of the koko free trade zone. He said the trade zone will stretch from koko to Kwale thereby bringing much development to that area.
“Koko has the advantage of being close to the port. It’s a one hour drive to warri. On the other hand , Kwale , which is in Ndokwa west is known for its huge deposit of gas energy and has a road stretching from ughelli to Onitsha.
“Apart from locational advantage, Delta is equally blessed with human and mineral resources. Thus, Delta is set for business.”
The Managing Director, NEPZA, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba in his remarks, also thanked the governor for his approval and his desire to have the free zone even though he is about leaving office.
He said in Lagos state, the government invested over $22m in economic zones and believes the same can be replicated in Delta state.
He prayed that whoever takes over from the governor will key into this. And make sure he actualizes this dream.
“We are ready to give you all the necessary support ” he added
The official presentation ceremony held in Transcorp Hotel, Abuja also had in attendance S.A. Jaja , the lead Consultant of the project , Prince Adetokunbo and a host of others.
