The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Cross River state government have agreed to work out a realistic modality to revive the moribund Tinapa Free Trade Zone owned by the state.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Authority’s head of corporate communications, Dr. Martins Odeh.
The agreement, according to the statement, was reached when the new NEPZA Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Bassey Otu recently in Calabar.
“First, let me appreciate the excellent achievements already recorded by the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration which will now holistically reposition the state for the attraction of investments and for industrialisation.
“We have seen how the administration’s effort at preserving life and property in the state is yielding the desired result, including ensuring that Calabar is relisted among attractive spots for large scale business activity.
“On our part, NEPZA is prepared to extend expertise and cooperation to ensure that the desire of the administration to revamp the almost moribund Tinapa Free Trade Zone is realised. This will again help to lubricate the film industry in Nigeria,” the statement read in part.
On his part, Governor Otu expressed delight at the visit of the NEPZA managing director, adding that the administration was open for a more robust cooperation with the Authority.
The governor said no state government that was desirous of speedy growth through economic development would loosely identify with NEPZA, adding that Cross River state partnership with the Authority would become tighter and more meaningful henceforth.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr. Peter Odey, solicited NEPZA’s assistance and cooperation in order to revamp the Tinapa Free Trade Zone without further delay.
“The state has reconfigured the strategy for Tinapa and Obudu Cattle Ranch to meet up with global standards, competition, and for profitability.
“We, therefore, urge the new NEPZA management, led by Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi to please review the accumulated unpaid Tinapa Licence Renewal fees. This gesture is needed to help direct our limited fund toward redeveloping the zone due to its vandalism during the EndSARS national protest,” the governor said.
