To Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity, FG Eyes Free Trade Zones

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, has said that the Federal Government was committed to using the Free Trade Zone Scheme to tackle the high unemployment rate in the country.

The NEPZA Boss said this on Tuesday when Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, the District Head of Kerate, Kankara, Katsina State paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

He added that such industrial hubs could gradually crush the widespread insecurity across the country.

Adesugba said, “President Muhammed Buhari is quietly but diligently repositioning the country’s Free Trade Zone Scheme for it to contribute greatly to both our National Domestic Product and Gross Domestic Product respectively.

“The president is doing this with the revamping of decayed infrastructure in the two public zones in Kano and Calabar and by allowing for the establishment of news ones across the nation.

“We are set to visit Katsina State in a fortnight to flag-off the Funtua Free Trade Zone dedicated for the production of cottons and fabrics for local consumption and exportation.

“This zone when operational, will leverage on the cotton belt of the North West to commence active production of varieties of fabrics in commercial quantities.”

The NEPZA MD explained that no part of the country would be exempted from harbouring a type of zone, adding that many State Governors were beginning to key into the zone business ecosystem to boost commerce, employment and revenues.

Adesugba further said that the zone scheme was a wonderful business concept aimed at speeding up industrialization.

He also said that industries operating in both the private and public zones were providing unimaginable number of dependable employments to job seekers.

Adesugba added, “The Authority believes sincerely that the zone can be used to improve the economic situation we are in now.

“In fact, if majority of our young people are gainfully engaged, the current security situation will improve dramatically.

“We, therefore thank the President again for approving the Funtau Free Trade Zone as this will go a long way to stabilize the state and its environs.’’

The Royal Father in his comments said that the high level of insecurity in the country could be hinged on the lack of sustainable employments for the young people.

He added that NEPZA’s rebirth under Adesugba could speedily change the narrative.

“We are, therefore, eagerly waiting for the commissioning of the Funtua free trade zone. This wonderful business structure would no doubt boost commerce, production, employment, and income for our people’’, he added.