The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye has given the assurance that Federal government is committed to the success of Free Trade Zone in Nigeria. He gave the assurance during an official visit to Lagos and Lekki Free Trade Zone in Ileju Lekki , Lagos State.

The Minister expressed satisfaction at the level of work in the zones pointing out that this had demonstrated the commitment of the stakeholders in achieving the success of the project.
Senator Kuye said that government wants manufacturing of goods to commence as soon as possible at the zone to fastrack employment generation, transfer of technology as well as Capacity Building.

On the request of the management of the Free Trade Zone to government to assist in the provision of infrastructure the Minister noted that every economy runs on well sound infrastructures and promised that his Ministry will interface with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure provision of infrastructure for the Free Trade Zone to thrive in the country.

He said: “the present government has noted the importance of infrastructure to the economy, this has prompted my Ministry to interface with other government Ministries and agencies to fashion out ways we can help investment as well as have unlimited access to gas and energy.

“I cannot come here to say things will be solved in a matter of second, hours, I will be deceiving you. Government is a complete institution, you have 28 Ministries in Abuja, you have several Parastatals and Agencies. For the success of our mandate we have to interface, interact and interconnect with other Ministries and Agencies in order to advance our mandate.”
 
The Minister said that he was extremely impressed with level of work at the Free Trade Zones and stressed that there was the need for greater commitment and more progress in order to take the project to the level that will be beneficial to everybody.

In her remarks, Mrs. Olusola Aworu Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Commerce and Industry said that the state embarked on the Free Trade Zone to create employment for its teeming youth, attract foreign direct to ensure transfer of technology. She added that the project will create new industrial areas that will be self sustaining and decongest central area of Lagos. She said that so far 68 prospective investors have indicated their interest to participate in the project.

Earlier, Mr. Adeyemo Thompson, Deputy Managing Director, Lekki Free Zone Development Company had urged federal government to grant licenses or permit to enable the company build pipelines into the Lekki Free Trade Zone. He reiterated the need for improved immigration policy for Chinese investors as well as power supply and provision of Gas.

The Hourable Minister, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye with MD of Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority Mr. Sina Agboluage had earlier Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base, LADOL Free Trade Zone, Lagos Free Trade Zone Lekki, and Airline Service and Logistic in Ikeja.

Read more Business News in the Economic Confidential.