By Lucy Ogalue
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, has reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to supporting investors.
Ogunyemi, made the commitment at a meeting with some investors and government agencies in Calabar on Friday.
He expressed NEPZA’s commitment towards improving the operating environment at the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ).
He said, “NEPZA remains committed to balancing its regulatory responsibilities with its mandate to facilitate business growth and attract investments into the country.
“It is our mandate to regulate and monitor compliance within the free trade zones, but it is also our responsibility to support investors and ensure their success.
“I am here to listen to your concerns, understand your challenges and work with you to find solutions,” he said.
The NEPZA boss described the Calabar Free Trade Zone as one of the country’s pioneer free zones and a critical component of Nigeria’s industrialisation and export promotion efforts.
Several investors used the forum to raise concerns ranging from infrastructure deficits and environmental issues to operational bottlenecks affecting their businesses.
They called for improved street lighting across the zone, noting that poor illumination contributed to security and operational challenges.
They also urged NEPZA to consider the installation of solar-powered street lights to improve visibility and enhance business activities, particularly at night.
The Deputy Controller Enforcement, Nigeria Customs Service at the CFTZ, Mr Uwumarogie Obanor, also reiterated the need for the deployment of modern surveillance infrastructure.
According to Obanor, the installation of a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems,will help to strengthen monitoring and security within the zone.
Obanor pledged Customs’ continued collaboration with NEPZA and other stakeholders to facilitate trade and enhance operational efficiency.
He also appealed for the rehabilitation of facilities occupied by Customs personnel within the zone, noting that some offices had deteriorated due to age and weather conditions.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) decried personnel shortages at the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ), urging for NEPZA’s intervention.
The NSCDC represented by Superintendent Emanuela Adjah, said the shortage was affecting its operations and undermining efforts by the Corps to secure the facility.
She said in spite of the limited manpower, NSCDC personnel had continued to work with other security agencies and private security providers to protect critical infrastructure within the zone.
Similarly, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) appealed for office accommodation at Tinapa, citing the operational challenges faced by its officers working in the area.
The NDLEA Deputy Commander, Narcotics, Olowu Banji, who represented the state command, said officers stationed at Tinapa currently operated without dedicated office space.
Responding, Ogunyemi acknowledged the importance of adequate lighting and assured investors that the authority was already exploring ways to improve infrastructure within available resources.
He assured the agencies that NEPZA would continue to address critical infrastructure needs as resources permit.
The NEPZA boss described the manpower shortage as a major security concern and pledged to engage the NSCDC leadership on ways to improve personnel deployment and logistics support.
He said discussions on the revitalisation of Tinapa were ongoing and promised to look into the agency’s request during an inspection visit to the facility.
He commended the cooperation among Customs, Immigration, the Police, the NSCDC, NDLEA and other agencies operating in the zone, describing inter-agency collaboration as critical to the success of free trade zones.
The NEPZA boss assured stakeholders that concerns relating to security and taxation, among others, were already receiving attention through ongoing engagements with relevant authorities.
Ogunyemi urged investors to sustain their confidence in the zone and continue engaging with management on issues affecting their operations.
“We will continue to work with you, support your businesses and address challenges within the limits of our authority.
“Our goal is to ensure that the Calabar Free Trade Zone remains competitive, attractive to investors and beneficial to the Nigerian economy,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)