NEPZA moves to reactivate Banki border free zone

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) says it has commenced the process of reactivation of Banki Border Free Trade Zone in Borno State to spur economic development.
The Managing Director of NEPZA, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba disclosed this on Monday when the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The Zone, which was affected by insurgency was designated in year 2000 with first operating license issued for the Zone in September 2000.
It was designed for manufacturing, trading and warehousing of products.
According to him, infrastructural development and assessment of basic infrastructure like utilities, civil works and offices, among others are being worked out for the Zone.
The NEPZA boss noted that the state was critical and historical in economic development in Nigeria due its security situation adding that good governance and thorough leadership were very important not just for the state but nationwide .
He explained that the Authority would appoint a Zone Administrator and staff that would work with the state government officials in charge of the Zone for smooth take-off and operation of the zone.
Adesugba, while disclosing that NEPZA had already requested for relevant Agencies and Nigeria Customs Service to deploy officers to the Zone towards realising its objectives said registration of enterprises for business activities has commenced.
He further stated that when fully operational, the project would generate about one million direct and indirect jobs and boost economic development of the State.
He commended the State Governor’s move towards the project stressed the need for other state ovgrnments to key into NEPZAs FTZ programme to fast track the development of the nation’s economy.
In a remark, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum thanked the Managing Director of NEPZA for his support towards the realisation of the project.
Zulum, who identified insecurity as the major challenge that led to the delay in the establishment of the project expressed readiness for its full operation since the issue of security has been addressed.
“Banki is a town bordering Cameroon, there is security measure on ground, we have strong establishment of military, the state and federal government will work together to ensure sustainable project,” the Governor noted.
He gave assurance that the zone would create 50,000 jobs to address unemployment situation in the state.