FG to replicate Ogun free-trade-zone model nationwide — Tegbe

The Director General and Global Liaison for Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, has applauded the success of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, describing it as a masterpiece that will be replicated in other free trade zones and will serve as a model for other states in the country.

Tegbe gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the free trade zone on Thursday, saying there are about 173 companies operating within the zone, providing over 10,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs to Nigerians, while also generating over 300 megawatts of electricity to provide power to the operating companies there.

“I came to Ogun-guangdong FTZ to look at all the great things that have been done here. This is one FTZ that has been extremely successful in attracting Chinese investors.

“Presently, there are 173 enterprises operating here, so we want to ensure that whatever they are getting right should be replicated in other Free Trade Zones. There are also some specific requests that investors in the OGFTZ have asked for that we need to make sure we address. Our plan is to use the FTZ as a showcase and a masterpiece to attract more investors into Nigeria and also to ensure our Nigerian investors also effectively collaborate with Chinese investors in re-industrialising Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the NCSP office was established under the presidency to coordinate and manage Nigeria-China economic and business relationship and to ensure Nigeria speaks with one voice, asserting that no nation has been self-sufficient without external collaboration.

He added that China itself leveraged Western technology and when they mastered it, they owned it, while affirming the intention of Nigeria to master technology through the Chinese relationship and use it to address industrialisation, food security and other developmental strides.

Mr. Tegbe expressed belief in the programmes of President Bola Tinubu, explaining things may be tough at the moment but assured of improvement in the economy in some few months to come, saying, “I can tell you, in another 12 months, Nigerians will praise the president, because of the bold and audacious initiatives that we have in place to address food security and industrialisation, let’s just be patient with him.

“I saw a company here that produces 500 metric tons of glass every day. That’s 150,000 metric tons of glass in Nigeria. I was in Abia yesterday, and I saw a steel development company that produces 600 metric tons of steel in Nigeria. What we need to do is replicate those things, support those technologies and let Nigeria own it.”

Chairman, Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Igbesa, Dr. Hafsat Oduwole-Balewa, while speaking with journalists, recalled that less than 40 industries were operating at the zone when she was appointed, but quickly reveal that the zone can now boast of 173 industries, stressing that many associated fake products with China in times past but the negative impression no longer exist because of the quality and high standard of products produced in the zone.

In her initial remarks, Dr. Oduwole-Balewa noted that Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone stands as a practical embodiment of the Nigeria-China relationship, asserting that from infrastructure to industrial output, the zone has witnessed, first-hand, the possibilities that emerge through strategic cooperation, while acknowledging that with the leadership of the Director General of NCSP, the OGFTZ model can be sealed to greater heights.

She said: “I believe through your office, we can attract high-value investments, enhancing technology transfer and expanding export quality and capacity in alignment with Nigeria’s broader economic diversification goals. We are particularly enthusiastic about the potential for collaboration with your office in attracting new categories of investors, especially in advanced manufacturing and green technologies.

“To develop talent programmes that will equip Nigerian youths with the skills needed for industrial leadership, and strengthen industrial synergy between OGFTZ and Nigeria’s national industrial agenda. Your presence here today underscores our shared commitment to industrial excellence, global competitiveness and sustainable economic transformation.”

Dr. Oduwole-Balewa pointed out that the zone is more than a production hub, poised to become a centre of innovation, provide policy alignment and a place providing international opportunities.

in his remarks, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Administrative Manager of the zone, Mr Steven Makanjuola, alluded that the zone is a pacesetter and role model to the country owing to the diligent discharge of responsibilities by every staff, especially the chairman, who, he said, has being working assiduously to ensure investors are attracted to the zone, resulting in the high number of enterprises found operating there.

Others at the event include the Deputy General Manager of China-Africa Investment FZC, Mr. Kevin Liu, the management of OGFTZ, the immigration and Customs officer, including representatives of the various Chinese companies operating in the zone.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE