By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
Desperate to rejig the economy while opening up vistas of employment opportunities for the teeming youths, Cross River government has opened bids for the privatisation of four state-owned industrial assets.
The assets which includes the Boki and Nsadop oil palm estates, Fish hatchery in Ugboro, Bekwarra, Durafoam Industries in Ikom and Ibonda Fish hatchery in Odukpani have been moribund for years now.
Chairman of the State Privatization Council, Chief Bassey Okon, assured of the council’s determination to meticulously evaluate the various bids so received.
“We will carefully assess your technical expertise and capability to efficiently manage the companies in order to achieve the objectives of this privatisation initiative,” he stated.
Okon informed that after the bid evaluation, successful bidders will be invited to inspect the companies they are interested in and subsequently submit their financial proposals.
He reassured participants that the process would remain transparent while adhering to the principles and practices of due process, which are vital ingredients for building trust in such exercises.
Okon also remarked that the state is committed through the exercise to create a conducive environment for investors to thrive as well as opening up employment opportunities.
His words: “The privatisation aims to enhance operational efficiency, create employment opportunities, and boost the state revenue base.
“We are confident that the communities hosting these assets would benefit significantly in terms of employment and infrastructure development, once the privatisation is completed,” he affirmed.
The chairman further commended the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, for approving the privatization of the said moribund industries, explaining that previous administrations had attempted but failed to privatise the assets.
Investors at the technical bidding session conducted at the Cross River Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) office, expressed satisfaction with the conduct and procedures of the exercise.
Chief Executive Officer of a bidding company, Sunfil Goldenroll Nigeria Ltd, Sunday Ekeke, commended the council for its transparency throughout the technical bidding process.
He expressed confidence in the council’s commitment to remain transparent throughout the bidding process.
