The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Cross River State Government, have agreed to work out a modality to revive the Tinapa Free Trade Zone owned by the state.
This agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by the NEPZA Managing Director, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi to the Cross River state Governor, Mr Bassey Otu in Cross River state, southern Nigeria.
Mr Ogunyemi, expressed delight on the state’s desire to revamp the unique free trade zone established to service the entertainment industry.
“First, let me appreciate the excellent achievements already recorded by the Gov. Bassey Otu-led administration which will now holistically reposition the state for the attraction of investments and for industrialisation.” Mr Ogunyemi said.
“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 realized. This will again help to lubricate the film industry in Nigeria,’’the NEPZA boss explained.
He, however, urged the state government to upscale its interest and participation at the Calabar Free Trade Zone, adding that such involvement was vital to the overall promotion and preservation of the place.
Mr Ogunyemi also solicited the state government’s intervention on the activities of unwanted tax operators in the state whose actions regularly impugn on the incentives the NEPZA Act had granted freezone operators and enterprises within the zones.
The Governor of the state, Mr Bassey Otu, expressed delight on 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 vandalization during the “End Sars’’ national protest.” He said.
“Similarly, the peace, stability and functionality of the investors and the entire Calabar Free Trade Zone landscape is a priority for the state as we remain the first beneficiary of the end products from the zone.”
Hauwa Abu
