By Anthony Areh
The Chairman, Bakassi Local Government Area, Mr Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, says the Bakassi Aquatic Littoral Resources have economic values to boost manufacturing and export at the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ).
He stated this on Monday in Bakassi when he received the management of the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) led by its General Manager, Mr Godwin Ekpe on a courtesy visit to his office.
Iyadim described the visit as important and timely, adding that it underscored the role the local government could play to assist the zone achieve its set goals.
“Athough Bakassi is strategically positioned as an international border town and plays an integral part in the zone, we have abundance of land and aquatic resources which the zone can explore for mutual benefits,” he said.
He stressed the need for the management of CFTZ to link up with the people of Bakassi to enable them derive the benefits of the zone.
The chairman also said that the rural dwellers were not fully aware of the presence of the CFTZ as well as what was manufactured within the zone.
He promised to collaborate with the zone with a view to exposing the economic potentials of the council area for possible investment.
Speaking, Mr Godwin Ekpe, General Manager, Calabar Free Trade Zone, explained that the visit was vital and necessary due to the high regards it had for the Bakassi Local Government Area.
He described the local government area as a major trade route to other littoral states in Nigeria, West African countries and the world at large.
Ekpe said that as a trade facilitation agency, it was imperative for the zone to work with the council chairman to ensure the security, safety and free passage of goods and services within the area.
He added that only a peaceful and secure environment, devoid of frequent youth restiveness and insecurity could guarantee the success of the zone.
“This visit affords us the opportunity to discuss pertinent issues of mutual benefits between the economic community of the Calabar Free Trade Zone and the leadership of Bakassi Local Government Area,” Ekpe said.
