The Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) has advised Nigerian indigenous companies and investors, especially maritime stakeholders, to take advantage of the enormous opportunities available at the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone in Onne, Rivers State.
Board Chairman of the OGFZA, Chief Chris Asoluka who was speaking at a recent training programme in Lagos organized by the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping said that there is still a low turnout of Nigerian companies at the area even as he urged Nigerians to take advantage of the expatriate quota available at the zone.
The Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) has advised Nigerian indigenous companies and investors, especially maritime stakeholders, to take advantage of the enormous opportunities available at the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone in Onne, Rivers State.
Board Chairman of the OGFZA, Chief Chris Asoluka who was speaking at a recent training programme in Lagos organized by the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping said that there is still a low turnout of Nigerian companies at the area even as he urged Nigerians to take advantage of the expatriate quota available at the zone.
Dr. Asoluka revealed that many of International Oil Companies (IOC) is already taking advantage of the OGFZ, stressing that there are currently over 152 companies there now and that the list is still growing.
“There are many advantages coming to the OGFZ Authority today, the incentives are there, the physical and financial incentives, you don’t pay tax because the expatriate quota judgment applies, if you import anything to be used there and with our certification you don’t pay duty, this is being done because the hub of oil and gas logistics seem to favor Nigeria”.
“When you look at the Gulf of Guinea you will see that Onne is well positioned, if on economy of scale it will lead to greater competitiveness of Nigerians in supplying the so-called services, not just in Nigeria but to Ghana, Benin, Angola, Namibia and the rest”.
“There is also a neighboring land called Ikpokiri which is not developed and some other areas are being earmarked, Warri, Benin port have been declared an oil and gas free zone area which some of you with a better arrangement will thrive in ship building, we have three ship building firm already there. This is the kind of authority and network available” he revealed.
Continuing, Asoluka noted that the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority is to create a logistics hub to service the gulf of guinea, as well as to generate employment.
He pointed out that this can only be achieved by attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that will ensure more countries coming to invest in Nigeria and more Nigerians getting employed.
“Once the skills are being transferred, the greater the wealth accusation, so in terms of expansion yes, we pray that with stability returning in the Niger Delta area we will have impressive records as things begin to stabilize” he said.
Discussion about this post