The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), has sought the support of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Otu V to strengthen and expand operations at the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ).
The Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the paramount ruler of the Efik Kingdom and monarch’s palace in Calabar on Tuesday.
Ogunyemi said traditional institutions remained critical stakeholders in efforts to attract investment, create jobs and drive industrial development.
The NEPZA boss said the CFTZ, one of Nigeria’s earliest free trade zones, occupied a special place in the country’s economic history and continued to hold significant potential for investment and economic growth.
He said while NEPZA’s mandate was to attract investment, build industries and create employment opportunities, such objectives could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, stability and cooperation with host communities.
“We have come to seek your fatherly counsel and support so that together we can strengthen and expand the Calabar Free Trade Zone.
“We want the zone to deliver more jobs, more skills and more prosperity for the sons and daughters of this kingdom.
“We are ready to work closely with the palace, the state government and host communities to ensure that development efforts respect the culture, protect the heritage and honour the legacy of the Efik people,” he said.
Ogunyemi commended the Obong’s role in sustaining peace and stability in the kingdom, describing the monarch as a key partner in efforts to improve investor confidence in the zone.
Responding, the Obong of Calabar welcomed the NEPZA delegation and expressed support for initiatives aimed at revitalising the free trade zone and attracting more investors to the area.
The monarch, however, stressed the need to address infrastructure challenges within the zone, particularly power supply and other critical facilities required to support industrial activities.
He observed that inadequate infrastructure had affected the full realisation of the zone’s economic potential and called on NEPZA to work with relevant authorities to tackle the challenges.
The royal father also urged the agency to ensure that the free trade zone delivered tangible benefits to the host community through job creation, business opportunities and increased economic activities.
According to him, the Calabar Free Trade Zone should serve as a major driver of industrialisation and economic prosperity for Cross River and the country at large.
The monarch assured NEPZA of the palace’s continued support and cooperation in efforts to reposition the zone as a preferred destination for local and foreign investors.
The visit forms part of Ogunyemi’s engagements with key stakeholders during his working tour of the Calabar Free Trade Zone.
