By Ankeli Emmanuel (Sokoto)
Sokoto state government has granted the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, 503.8 hectares of land in Sokoto to establish the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the state, a statement by Muhammad Bello confirmed.
Bello, who is the spokesman of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said the governor made the land allocation on Wednesday in Abuja when he met with the Management of NEPZA, led by Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, the Managing Director of the Authority.
According to Tambuwal, Sokoto State is desirous of partnering with NEPZA in any area of mutual benefit, especially as the State would be a critical stakeholder in the management of the SEZ. He further suggested that the Sokoto Investment Company Limited (SICL) and indigenous businessmen should be part of the arrangements in operating the zone under a private-public partnership.
Sequel to this development, it is expected that Sokoto state and NEPZA will soon inaugurate a technical committee comprising its respective officials to fast-track their mutual engagement.
The SEZ is designed by the federal government to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), enhance trade and industrialization as well as generate employment. The zone is also intended to encourage technology transfer, contribute to national economic growth and development and encourage patronage of local raw materials.
In his remarks, Prof. Adesoji who extolled the economic acumen of Gov. Tambuwal said he was impressed with the recent rating of the state as second best in the ease of doing business by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
He attributed this to the leadership qualities of the governor, who, he said, has provided many infrastructures in the state. Prof. Adesoji however thanked the Sokoto state government for the timely provision of land for the Zone and pledged to hit the ground running.
He said NEPZA will soon be in Sokoto for the groundbreaking ceremony of the SEZ.
The state government team at the function includes the state Commissioners for Land and Housing as well as that of Commerce, Hon. Aminu Bala Bodinga and Hon. Bashir Gidado Jegawa respectively.
Also at the occasion was the Managing Director of the SICL, Hon. Muhammad Buhari Dasuki and Alhaji Mukhtar Maigona, Zannan Sokoto, a Sokoto-based prominent businessman. NNL.
