By Samuel Ogunsona
The Governor of Ekiti State Abiodun Oyebanjo has expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for the state’s new Free Trade Zone Status
The implication is that more investors from all over the world will enjoy special wavers from the Federal Government if they choose Ekiti as their investment destination.
Already, the news has generated interests in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, the academic community and in the business community across the world.
In a statemenr made available to Irohinoodua signed by the Special Adviser,Media to the Governor Yinka Oyebode quoted Oyebanji saying he welcomes with excitement and a deep sense of appreciation, the Free Trade Zone status granted the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) by the Federal Government.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, had in a statement on Tuesday confirmed the Federal Government’s approval for the Free Trade Status.
The approval is a necessary condition for inflow of investments into the EKZ, which will be the first service based special economic zone, and a major driver of economic growth in the state.
The Government of Ekiti State is grateful to President Mohammadu Buhari for graciously approving the Free Trade Zone status. It also extends appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and the Managing Director of the National Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof Adesoji Adesugba and his team for their support.
It is recalled that Governor Biodun Oyebanji stepped up strategic engagement with relevant agencies of the Federal Government on infrastructure upgrade and economic development of the state shortly after his inauguration last year. The approval for the free trade zone status is one of the products of the interface, and evidence of the Government’s commitment to its development plan as well at the continuity agenda.
While the state Government is appreciative of the Federal Government’s gesture, it congratulates the people of the state for the landmark achievement. It urges investors and young professionals to take advantage of the EKS.
With the approval, a major condition for raising the necessary capital to achieve the zone’s objectives has now been met, and we expect to attract the required capital later in the year.
The Government of Ekiti State is committed to the infrastructure and economic development of the state and will continue to collaborate with relevant Government institutions, private entities and development partners to advance the socio- economic and infrastructure development of the State and ensuring shared prosperity for all.