Calabar: The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, has reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to supporting investors. Ogunyemi made the commitment at a meeting with some investors and government agencies in Calabar on Friday. He expressed NEPZA’s commitment towards improving the operating environment at the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogunyemi stated that NEPZA remains committed to balancing its regulatory responsibilities with its mandate to facilitate business growth and attract investments into the country. He emphasized the authority’s dual role in regulating and monitoring compliance within the free trade zones while supporting investors to ensure their success. Ogunyemi engaged with stakeholders to understand their concerns, challenges, and explore solutions collaboratively.
The NEPZA boss highlighted the significance of the Calabar Free Trade Zone as one of Nigeria’s pioneer free zones, contributing to the country’s industrialization and export promotion efforts. Investors at the meeting raised concerns about infrastructure deficits, environmental issues, and operational bottlenecks impacting their businesses. They advocated for improved street lighting, suggesting the installation of solar-powered street lights to enhance visibility and business activities, particularly at night.
The Deputy Controller Enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service at the CFTZ, Mr Uwumarogie Obanor, emphasized the need for modern surveillance infrastructure to strengthen monitoring and security within the zone. Obanor pledged continued collaboration with NEPZA and other stakeholders to facilitate trade and enhance operational efficiency. He also sought the rehabilitation of facilities used by Customs personnel, citing deterioration due to age and weather conditions.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) raised concerns about personnel shortages affecting operations and the overall security efforts within the CFTZ. Superintendent Emanuela Adjah of the NSCDC urged NEPZA’s intervention, highlighting the Corps’ efforts to protect critical infrastructure despite limited manpower.
Similarly, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) requested office accommodation at Tinapa, citing operational challenges faced by its officers. NDLEA Deputy Commander, Narcotics, Olowu Banji, noted the lack of dedicated office space for officers stationed at Tinapa.
In response, Ogunyemi acknowledged the importance of adequate lighting and assured investors of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure. He recognized the manpower shortage as a significant security concern and committed to engaging the NSCDC leadership for better personnel deployment and logistics support. Discussions on revitalizing Tinapa were mentioned, with promises to consider agency requests during an inspection visit.
Ogunyemi commended the cooperation among various agencies operating in the zone, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration for the success of free trade zones. He assured stakeholders that issues related to security and taxation were being addressed through ongoing engagements with relevant authorities. Ogunyemi encouraged investors to maintain confidence in the zone and continue engaging with management on operational challenges, reaffirming NEPZA’s commitment to making the Calabar Free Trade Zone competitive and attractive to investors, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian economy.