NEPZA Licences Delta As Special Economic Zone, Targets $22billion Investment
Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has licensed Delta State as a special economic zone. Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa who spoke at the presentation of license by NEPZA said Delta Economic Zones would attract over $22 billion investment. “As part of our efforts to position businesses in Delta State to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), earlier today, we received the license for the Delta Special Economic Zone from the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Okowa tweeted on Wednesday.” “During my speech at the event, I highlighted the enormous potential of the Special Economic Zone status in creating tens of thousands of new employment opportunities and leveraging our existing resources to fuel the economic growth of our state and improve the lives of our people.” “This is a significant milestone that sets us on the path towards greater prosperity, and we are determined to seize this opportunity to drive Delta State to even greater heights.”
Managing Director of NEPZA, professor Adesoji Adsugba, said the authority would replicate the volume of investments in Lagos economic zones in Delta. He expressed delight that the administration of Ifeanyi Okowa has already provided some conducive environment for the investments to take off. While presenting the document, Adesugba promised NEPZA’s unflinching support for Delta State in its new initiative to create jobs and boast economic growth. He described the Special Economic Zone as a viable response to shocks threatening the global economy.
According to him, similar projects exist in Lagos and neighboring Benin Republic all targeting the Nigerian market
Oborevwori’s More Agenda: Improving Investment Attractivness In Delta
His Excellency RT. Hon. Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori
Delta State Government is charting a course to usher a wave of investment opportunities with the ambitious goal of its Special Economic Zone. With the State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori’s proactive initiatives upon resumption of office as the fifth democratically elected Governor of Delta State on May 29, 2023, the State has projected itself as investor friendly and also set a template for a peaceful investment climate. Towards this end, the Delta Special Economic Zone, serving as the nucleus of this groundbreaking initiative, is slated to become a hub of economic activities and innovation following modalities to partner with local and foreign investors. According to Pastor Godwin Akpovie, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta Special Economic Zone, the initiative aims not only to address unemployment but also to nurture a new generation of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the region’s economic landscape in line with the vision of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Akpovie, a boardroom expert also underscored the significance of attracting investments to the State which include to drive industrialization, generate revenue, generate employment and unlock the State’s economic potential. Just like his predecessor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, the administration of Rt.Honourable (Elder) Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori have always assured investors and would-be investors that Delta Government would continue to prioritize security, job opportunity and infrastructure which are the tripod upon which businesses can thrive.
The four thematic pillars encapsulated in the MORE Agenda (M-meaningful development; O-opportunity for all; R-realistic reforms; and E-enhanced peace and security) is designed to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, private sector job creation, strengthen the human capital development, build on enabling infrastructure, boost public financial management, and improve governance and accountability systems for improved service delivery.
As evident from projects so far completed and embarked upon, his administration is process-driven, result-oriented, excellence-inclined and ready to advance the state into an era that will accelerate utilization of its full potential through the MORE Agenda.
Delta Special Economic Zone Management Company Explores Koko Port’s Potentials
In a bid to unlock the economic potential of Koko Port, Pastor Godwin Akpovie, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Delta Special Economic Zone Management Company, recently held a meeting with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) led by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.
The meeting, which took place at the NPA Headquarters in Lagos, aimed to explore the benefits of Koko Port’s proximity to the Koko Free Trade Zone. The meeting which focused on strategies to harness the economic potential of Koko Port and Koko Free Trade Zone was attended by key stakeholders, including Investment Consultant, Chief Afam Obiago, and Lead Partner, Foundation Chamber, Chidi Ilogu SAN among others. Koko Port, located in the Headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, is a critical infrastructure for trade facilitation in the region. The port’s proximity to the Koko Free Trade Zone presents a unique opportunity for economic growth and development.
The meeting between Pastor Akpovie and the NPA management is a positive step towards unlocking the economic potential of Koko Port and the Free Trade Zone. This initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda for Deltans, which aims to promote economic growth and development in the state.
As the country continues to explore ways to diversify its economy, the development of Koko Port and the Koko Free Trade Zone is critical to achieving this goal. The successful collaboration between the Delta Special Economic Zone Management Company and the NPA management is a step in the right direction.