Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna has announced the federal government’s plan to establish three industrial parks in the country.
The first phase of the project to be sited in Nnewi (Anambra state); Osogbo (Osun state) and Igabi (Kaduna state), will gulp about N3.250 billion already earmarked.
Haruna spoke Monday during a courtesy call on the Commandant Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Kaduna, AVM Paul Jemitola.
The NASENI boss said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has planned to develop industrial parks for the Automotive sectors in three zones of the country: Nnewi (Anambra State), Osogbo (Osun State) and Igabi (Kaduna State).
“Once fully taken up and equipped, the automotive park will be self-sustaining and a government revenue source.
“In the first phase of the project, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning has earmarked N3,250,000,000) for takeoff and we appreciate the Honourable Minister for the commitment and interest to the project.
“We are equally grateful to Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State for the allocation of 50 hectares of land and His Excellency’s magnanimity for granting waivers of all statutory fees for the title of the land.
“The project is intended to unlock the opportunities in auto sector as well as potentials in the manufacturing industry with a view of creating employment, skilled labour in this region and the sub-Saharan Africa. It will earn foreign exchange for the country and stop importation of vehicle spare parts.
“Major vehicle manufacturers from different countries have indicated interest to operate from this facility. It is also intended to provide the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company with the necessary support in the production of Armoured Vehicles,” added the NASENI boss.
He further said: “We also appreciate the Nigerian Air Force for the collaboration and provision of adequate site policing and security since the commencement of the construction work.
“Work in the phase one of the project comprising of perimeter fencing, construction of information and communication building, construction of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) workshop, construction of Automotive Spare Parts, sales and services outlet are all above eighty-five percent (85%).
“Completion of phase one of the project within the next few weeks will enable commissioning and commencement of operation which can run concurrently with development works in phase two of the project.”
In his remarks, AFIT Commandant AVM Jemitola said: “NASENI had been instrumental to so many things even here in AFIT. As such, we will maximize the cooperation to the fullest. We will study the MoU and make the best out of it. NASENI can count on our 110 per cent support and cooperation.”
