By Chris Ndibe
At least 40 companies have expressed interest to execute some of the 2020 constituency projects of Nigeria Export Processing Zones (NEPZA).
According to Mr Martins Odeh, Head, Corporate Communication of NEPZA, the tenders for the projects were opened on Monday in Abuja.
Odeh said in a statement on Tuesday that some of the projects included
Empowerment of Girls and Women on Entrepreneurship and Skills in Ogoja Iyala,/Bekwara,/Obudu/Obanliku in Cross River North and Entrepreneurship Training/ Grant Provision for Women in Osun East Senatorial District.
Others are the Training on Construction/Rehabilitation of Roads in Anambra North Senatorial District; Environmental Audit for Kano Free Trade Zone; and Environment Audit for Calabar Free Trade Zone.
The exercise which was conducted via zoom had all the representatives of companies that submitted their bids participating.
Furthermore, the event was witnessed by external observers which included the Bureau of Public Procurement and a number of non-state actors.
In his remarks, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Managing Director of NEPZA, assured the participating companies of continued transparency and fairness until the process was concluded.
Adesugba, who also doubled as the chairman of the event, said NEPZA had always conducted its bidding process in line with the procurement rules, adding that such consistent positive posture had won the Authority some laurels.
“This is the first time the Authority is conducting this exercise via zoom and we all know why this is so. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to reduce physical contact as much as possible. But let me assure you that the process will remain transparent and fair.
“Today’s opening of expression of interest kicks off this very important exercise that would see us engaging the most qualified companies to handle the projects that we had advertised.
“Those that have expressed interest would have the opportunity to ask questions from this moment until the final day when winners would be announced. Be rest assured that we would be ready to provide answers to your questions,’’ the NEPZA boss said.
Meanwhile, the opening of tenders for some other projects has been fixed for October 12.
