Wednesday, April 26, 2023, the long- held dream of Delta State becoming a prominent player in thetask of launching Nigeria into the enviable league of drivers of global economy became a reality with the presentation of the Special Economic Zone license to the State by the Federal Government. The license was presented through the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA). Receiving the certificate at the historic occasion in Abuja, the nation’s capital, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, left no one in doubt that the State was set for serious and mutually beneficial top-rate business with potential willing and ready investors. Flaunting the State’s rich oil and gas deposits, an obviously elated Dr Okowa pledged the State’s administration’s readiness to partner investors who would help ensure optimal harnessing of the vast economic resources in Delta State, otherwise known as “The Big Heart” and generally regarded as home for all Nigerians and Non Nigerians.
Thanking the Federal Government for the special license, Dr Okowa assured that Delta State Government was prepared to work in synergy with NEPZA and other related outfits to achieve the essence of the license. He commended the management of NEPZA for the support and encouragement toward the realization of the State’s desire to have its resources properly harnessed. He disclosed that the availability of four seaports and two airports, in addition to necessary infrastructure, including a good road network, was a great impetus for businesses to flourish in the state. In his remarks, Minister of Investment, Commerce and Industry, Chief Niyi Adebayo, pledged the Federal Government’s support to the development of the special economic zone in Delta. Adebayo, who was represented by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr S.A. Jaja, said that the operation of the economic zone would have a multiplier effect on Delta’s and national economy. Earlier, the Chairman, Steering Committee for the Establishment of Delta Special Economic Zone, Mr Festus Agas, had recalled concerted efforts made by the Okowa administration to obtain the license. Agas, who was Chief of Staff to Okowa, lauded the Federal Government for discerning the potential in Delta and approving the license.
He also commended NEPZA for the collaboration in seeing the ‘project’ through and sued for the sustenance of the synergy. The official moves to ensure effective management of the Special Economic Zone in Delta State took centre stage on the 23rdof May, 2023 with the inauguration of the board of the State Special Economic Zone.
Delta Gets Special Economic Board
The official moves to ensure effective management of the Special Economic Zone in Delta State took centre stage on the 23rd of May, 2023 with the inauguration of the board of the State Special Economic Zone. The board has Brigadier -General Michael Ndubuisi,l(Retd) and a seasoned professional, Pastor Godwin Akpovie as Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the organisation. Those to serve as Directors on the board are Mrs Ebele Irabor, Dr Peter Ese Oriavwote and Mr Godwin Ebosa. The special economic zone covers Koko and Kwale in Warri North Local Government Area and Ndokwa West Local Government Area respectively. Speaking ath the inauguration, the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator(Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, harped on the urgent need for effective management of the economic zone stimulate meaningful growth of the State and the people. Dr Okowa who expressed confidence in the ability of the Board to meet hhe yearnings ofDeltans, considering the individual pedigree of its members urged them to leave no avenue unexplored to raise the economic fortunes of the State. He thanked the Federal Government for the presentation of the license for operation of the Special Economic Zone.”We know the impact this would make in terms of ensuring that we have industrial growth.”The erstwhile governor whose administration mid-wifed the zone said, “We have been on this for sometime.I want to thank God that at last, we have gotten the certificate.We know that it will be very beneficial to us because industries will be attracted to thesevarious areas of concern. “I look forward to the cooperation of our communities while I pray that the government of Delta State will continue to give its support towards ensuring the success of these special economic zones. We have provided infrastructure reasonable enough to enable this state move on a very high speed in terms of development. “Responding on behalf of members of the Board, Chairman Ndubisi thanked Gov. Okowa for the opportunity given to them to serve the state, adding that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them. Ndubuisi assured the governor that they would try their best to ensure that the goals for which the Board was inaugurated were achieved.