Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi , the Managing Director of Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) has expressed satisfaction on the achievements of the Cross River State Government within a short period of time, and promised the support of NEPZA and the Calabar Free Trade Zone within the ambit of the law to ensure smooth running of the State.
During his visit to the Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Peter Odey, in company of the officials of the Calabar Free Trade Zone and Tinapa Business Resort Trade Zone, Dr. Ogunyemi said the Otu’s led administration was able to attain success within this short period because it took a bold step to reduce customary problems and mobilizes resources and achieved Peoples first projects.
Some of the achievements acknowledged by NEPZA includes payment of Civil Servants salaries and that of Pensioners as at when due, Installation of Solar powered street lights across the three Senatorial Districts, Use of concrete for road construction, lifting ban on wood logging which has revitalized the wood industry, Hosting of the biggest street party in Africa ( The Calabar Carnival) and many others.
He highlighted the responsibility of NEPZA to the State which includes building of equipments to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Police Station, and Technical Schools , Donation of satellite communication equipment, Installation of 33KVA transformer in the host community, Award of scholarships to indigent students in the State.
The MD advised that for the State to harness viable economic benefits to boost the revenue generated in the State, the State should take advantage of their tax incentives to set up enterprises.
The Deputy Governor of the State and other State EXCO who received the NEPZA MD and those that accompanied him , promised the readiness of the State to partner and give zone support to NEPZA to carry out their work in the State without hindrance.
Hon. Odey called on NEPZA to intensify marketing strategy for Tinapa by directing potential investors to the resort. He said if NEPZA works it is the State that will benefit because it will aide other State owned facilities like Tinapa to work, Odey commended NEPZA efforts to their host community and the State generally in terms of their Corporate Social Responsibility
