All Posts in "Industry, Trade & Investment"

EU, GIZ, Orange launch a strategic partnership to support the digital transformation in cocoa sector, low-carbon transition in Côte d’Ivoire

By Favour Nnabugwu 

 

 

Orange (www.Orange.com), in partnership with the European Union and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) announces the launch of the “DigiGreen & Agri” project, an ambitious initiative to promote digital innovation for a transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy in Cote D’Ivoire with joint funding €7.6million.

The overall objective of this project is to contribute to the creation of decent jobs, support the development and financing of startups within the ecosystem, and promote sustainable investments.

Initiated as part of the Team Europe Initiatives for sustainable cocoa and the low-carbon transition, the “DigiGreen & Agri” project focuses on the development of entrepreneurship, enhancing youth employability across the entire value chain of cocoa and sustainable agriculture, through digital technology. There will be a particular emphasis on youth in rural youth, women, girls, and people with disabilities through the Orange Digital Center in Côte d’Ivoire.

This ambitious partnership benefits from joint funding of €7.6 million and aims to achieve several strategic objectives:
Improving professional skills: the project aims to strengthen the professional skills of young people and women in the digital sector by offering them new opportunities in the constantly changing labour market.
Entrepreneurship promotion: “DigiGreen & Agri” will support the creation and strengthening of strong digital startups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), thus fostering innovation and economic growth.

Development of sustainable digital solutions: the partnership will strengthen the capacities of startups and MSMEs to develop and market innovative digital solutions, thus contributing to the modernization and innovation of sustainable agriculture sectors, low-carbon transition and corporate social responsibility.

Acceleration of the growth of seed startups: a seed fund will be dedicated to financing the most promising startups. Orange and GIZ will draw on the expertise of the Digital Africa programme to provide funding to startups in the ecosystem to enable them to develop their activities and accelerate their growth.

By working closely with local stakeholders, Orange, the European Union and GIZ are committed to supporting young talent, promoting entrepreneurship and catalyzing economic development in the most vulnerable communities.

Orange and GIZ are collaborating under the develoPPP programme, which is implemented on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The DigiGreen & Agri project is supported by the special initiative “Decent Employment for a Just Transition” and co-financed by the European Union.

Francesca Di Mauro, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire: “I am delighted to attend the launch of this DigiGreen & Agri project, which places youth employability at the heart of its objectives, by proposing the development of new digital solutions for sustainable agriculture and the green economy and the creation of quality jobs. This project reflects the European desire to strengthen smart, clean and secure links in the digital sector, one of the pillars of the Global Gateway strategy. It is also the result of an excellent collaboration between the private and public sectors in team Europe format: Orange’s expertise and investments, in synergy with the development aid resources of the EU and Germany, are mobilized for the inclusive growth of the country.”

Axel Klaphake, Director of Division GIZ: “This unprecedented cooperation format between GIZ, the European Union and Orange is the first development partnership with the private sector cofunded by the European Union and implemented by the develoPPP programme with the support of the Special Initiative «Decent Employment for a Just Transition» commissioned by the BMZ in Côte d’Ivoire. It will reach a very broad target group and create synergies with other cooperation programmes currently in place in Côte d’Ivoire. Technical and financial support for startups will help create jobs and build the capacity of young entrepreneurs to come up with innovative ideas to strengthen the agricultural sector, especially the sustainable cocoa sector. We are pleased to launch this partnership with our public and private partners and thank all the actors who made this cooperation possible.”

Jérôme Hénique, CEO Orange Middle East & Africa: “Orange’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation is once again taking shape today through our partnership with the German Cooperation and the European Union to support the digital transformation of the cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire. The Orange Digital Centers are essential vectors of this transformation, offering a free and open innovation ecosystem, with a particular focus on youth, women and vulnerable people. Together, we are taking up the challenge of building an inclusive and environmentally friendly digital future for a more sustainable and prosperous economy. “

Mamadou Bamba, Managing Director Orange Côte d’Ivoire: “This project is a concrete illustration of Orange’s commitment to sustainable development in Africa. As a responsible digital operator, we believe that digital can play a crucial role in solving the challenges of the 21st century. That is why we are proud to partner with the European Union and GIZ to implement this ambitious project. I am convinced that the DigiGreen & Agri project will have a positive and lasting impact on the cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire and will help create jobs and improve the living conditions of farmers and people.”

Patoma Admin by — April 16, 2024 in Foreign 0
Steel, cornerstone of infrastrural, economic development- MITI Minister

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The  Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has emphasized the Nigerian government’s commitment to industry revitalization with a keen focus on steel, the cornerstone of infrastructural development and economic renewal.

This emphasis comes in tandem with an appraisal of the $600m Iron-Ore Mining & Processing Facility by the African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) in Kaduna state, a significant stride in Nigeria’s mining sector.

“Our Industry Revitalization Plan prioritizes steel due to its foundational role in building our nation’s infrastructure,” Dr. Uzoka-Anite stated. “One pressing issue within our industry is the spiralling cost of goods, especially burdensome for manufacturers. By scrutinizing production costs, we aim to facilitate more affordable manufacturing processes.”

The Federal Executive Council has approved an Infrastructure Development Fund, which Dr. Uzoka-Anite describes as a “project de-risking fund,” concentrating on crucial infrastructure sectors vital to Nigeria’s economy. This fund, alongside the Industry Revitalization Plan, aspires to stimulate the economy, build additional roads, railways, and essential infrastructure. Increased production is anticipated to please investors and stakeholders alike.

“We owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gratitude for championing this initiative,” the Minister added, signalling the administration’s progressive vision.

In aligning with the remarks of Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Uzoka-Anite praised the ANRML facility for its substantial foreign investment and commitment to value addition and beneficiation in its iron-ore processing. She asserted that these efforts are in line with the federal government’s policy to require value addition plans for mining operations license approvals.

Dr. Uzoka-Anite underscored the ANRML’s alignment with the Nigeria Automotive Industry Plan, enhancing local steel production for the automotive manufacturing sector. She highlighted the significance of the Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) produced

through the facility’s advanced beneficiation and pelletisation processes, setting Nigeria on the path to becoming a leading crude steel producer.

The Minister concluded by drawing a parallel between the country’s economic restructuring efforts and ANRML’s success, “The same tenacity and strategic groundwork that propelled ANRML to success are what our administration is channelling towards Nigeria’s transformation. Like the concrete foundations necessary for ANRML’s plant, our nation is laying the groundwork for sustainable prosperity.”

Patoma Admin by — March 30, 2024 in Industry, Trade & Investment 0
NATEP, Lab Four sign MoU on Talent export, to outsource 50,000 jobs to Nigeria

By Favour Nnabugwu 

 

 

 

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has witnessed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) and Lab Four, set to create substantial employment opportunities by outsourcing 50,000 jobs to Nigeria.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, CFA, heralded this MOU as a major milestone aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “This initiative cements our commitment to diversifying the economy and forging a Nigeria known globally as a nation of creators,” she stated during the signing ceremony in Abuja.” We envision Nigeria as a pivotal global hub for service exports and talent sourcing,” she said.

As Dr. Uzoka-Anite has highlighted, “NATEP is our strategic answer to the burgeoning global talent sourcing market, valued at US$620.381 billion in 2020 and projected to grow to US$904.948 billion by 2027. Our mission is to tap into this lucrative industry, showcasing Nigeria as a powerhouse of high-quality talent for the global service export and outsourcing industry.”

Mr. Tony Okhiria, CEO of the Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “This program is monumental because it allows Nigeria to accelerate its talent export much quicker. We are eager to disrupt the traditional BPO process and look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”

Dr. Femi Adeluyi, National Coordinator of NATEP, highlighted the program’s innovative approach, emphasizing its potential to democratize the BPO sector and create a scalable model for job creation.

The signing ceremony also featured remarks from John Dohan, representing the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim for the U.S. Embassy, who lauded Nigeria’s human resource as the nation’s greatest export.

The NATEP initiative aims to deliver 1 million service-export jobs over the next 5 years, boost foreign exchange earnings, stimulate economic growth, and enhance Nigeria’s brand on the global stage. It will focus on key “IMPACT” sectors: Insurance, Medical, Professionals, Artisans, Creative, and Technology.

The Minister also took the opportunity to launch the NATEP Strategy document, a comprehensive plan to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a global hub for talent exports and BPO.

The collaboration between NATEP and Lab Four is poised to catalyze the growth of micro, mini, and mega BPOs within Nigeria, contributing up to $1.2 billion annually to the Nigerian economy.

Patoma Admin by — March 18, 2024 in Industry, Trade & Investment 0
Government, Private Sector pally positive for adjustment in expatriate employment Levy

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

A strong collaboration between the federal government and the private sector will lead to positive Expatriate Employment Levy, EEL and policy formations.

The EEL, initiated by President Tinubu, was designed to encourage skills transfer and facilitate balanced economic and social development. The temporary review in its implementation is seen as a proactive response to the concerns of the private sector, ensuring the levies’ alignment with broader economic objectives and the nation’s quest for sustainable growth

The enacted Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), concluded with a review of the policy, marking a milestone in government-private sector relations.

Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic Trade and Investment mission in Qatar, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), along with influential industry stakeholders, met with the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The meeting included Mr. Dele Oye, President of NACCIMA, and leaders across the organised private sector.

Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite underscored the essence of the private sector, stating, “Without the private sector, we cannot create jobs. If the private sector does not feel comfortable with policies to create jobs, jobs won’t happen.” She further emphasized the need for policies that cater to foreign investment: “We need to find a win-win situation that allows foreign direct investment to continue to flow into the country without obstacles.”

Aligning with this vision, the attendees reached a consensus that: The implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy will pause for additional consultations with crucial stakeholders.
– A joint committee will be established to review the EEL policy, incorporating perspectives from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Ministry of Interior, and other pertinent parties.
– The initial rollout of the EEL is deferred, adhering to the meeting’s resolutions.

The government’s openness to dialogue and its decisive action in response to feedback from the business community reflects its dedication to nurturing an attractive investment climate for both local and international stakeholders.

Dr. Uzoka-Anite commended the collaborative efforts, noting, “This is indicative of our commitment to creating an inviting atmosphere for both local and international investors.”

The organised private sector representatives and their associates pledged continued collaboration with the government to ensure policy alignment with Nigeria’s economic aspirations, reinforcing the nation’s position as a desirable investment hub.

Investors are reassured to proceed confidently with their business and investment endeavours in Nigeria, bolstered by the ministers’ assurances during negotiations, which reassert the government’s intent to cultivate an enhanced investment landscape conducive to economic growth.

Patoma Admin by — March 11, 2024 in Industry, Trade & Investment 0
Nigeria, Brazil strengthen cultural, trade relationships

President Bola Tinubu had a bilateral meeting with the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, where both leaders discussed ways to enhance trade, commercial and cultural relations between Nigeria and Brazil including increasing trade volumes, investing in agriculture and aviation, and establishing direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil to promote mutual growth and trade.

 

Patoma Admin by — February 18, 2024 in Industry, Trade & Investment 0
ITF disburses N24bn as allowances

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr Joseph Ari, has disclosed that more than N24 billion has been disbursed by the fund as students and supervisors’ training allowances from 2016 to date.

Ari said this on Monday in Jos when the Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau council, gave him an award of excellence in leadership and human capital development.

He said that given the fund’s integral role in the training of students of Engineering, Technology and other allied disciplines in tertiary institutions, the ITF had accorded priority attention to the management of the scheme.

Ari assured the public of the fund’s commitment to the prompt payment of students and supervisors’ allowances, “as soon as money is received from the Federal Government”.

He further said that the ITF had automated its business processes in a bid to facilitate business processes within the ITF and with its stakeholders.
He commended the chapel for finding him worthy of the award and dedicated the award to the entire workforce of the ITF for their dedication and resilience.

Earlier, the Correspondents’ Chapel chairman, Mr Gyang Bere, who presented the award to Ari, said that the award was in recognition of the ITF training of thousands of youths with requisite skills for employability and in turn to reduce unemployment. nan.

Patoma Admin by — February 21, 2023 in Industry, Trade & Investment 0
AfDB”s AFAWA fund for women entrepreneurs hit $1bn

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

 

The African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative has reached a landmark $1 billion in approved funding designated for lending to African women entrepreneurs.

This is yet another milestone for the bank following an historic summit last week to tackle the escalating challenges of food security in Africa. The Dakar 2 Africa Food Summit, co-hosted by the Bank and the Government of Senegal, was attended by 34 heads of state and government, more than 70 ministers, farmers’ representatives from the private sector and development partners.

AFAWA was launched in 2015 in Dakar during the first Feed Africa conference (Dakar 1 Africa Food Summit).

Dr. Beth Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development said: “I am incredibly proud of AFAWA’s financing achievement. AFAWA’s benchmark reminds us that when we invest to grow Africa’s food systems, we must also invest in Africa’s women agripreneurs.”

Women run the majority of Africa’s agricultural sector small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), yet they face significant barriers to accessing finance. Across the continent, African women entrepreneurs face an estimated $42 billion gender financing gap compared to men.

In the last two years, the Bank, through AFAWA, has multiplied the volume of investments toward women-owned small and medium enterprises sevenfold.

“By the end of December 2022, AFAWA-approved lending to women-led small and medium sized enterprises reached $1.051 billion. Of that, $135 million targets women in the agriculture sector,” said Malado Kaba, Director of the Bank’s Gender, Women and Civil Society Department.

“AFAWA’s approved lending reaches across 27 countries, and through 56 financial institutions. Already 4,115 women business owners have benefited from AFAWA financing instruments. This is just the beginning,” she added.

Already, financial barriers to African women ‘agripreneurs’ growing their businesses, are being addressed through AFAWA investment. AFAWA is working to boost the professional and financial capacities of over 200 women cooperatives in the staple crop food sector in Cote d’Ivoire.

This includes training and access to a digital platform connecting women producers to buyers of agricultural products like wholesalers, retailers and consumers across Cote d’Ivoire.

Furthermore, AFAWA is working with Ecobank on the “Financing Climate Resilient Agricultural Practices in Ghana” project. The project mobilized $20 million from the Green Climate Fund, and $5 million from Ecobank Ghana as co-financing, to fill the gap for working capital to farmers.

The AFAWA project aims to provide financing and technical support to 400 women-led, farmer-based associations and women-owned small and medium enterprises, to foster their agriculture productivity and strengthen their climate resilience practices.

To accelerate progress toward unlocking $5 billion in lending for women by 2026, AFAWA has established a Guarantee Mechanism (http://bit.ly/3DtOnuS) which de-risks the women’s market and increases the ability of financial institutions to lend to women business owners.

AFAWA also launched the Women Entrepreneurship Enablers program, which provides up to $250,000 for women’s business associations, incubators, accelerators, women-led cooperatives, and civil society organizations.

The program increases women SMEs readiness to access credit and scale their businesses. The program inducted its first cohort of 10 Enablers (http://bit.ly/3wFoVi8) in July 2022, who are expected to apply skills acquired in the Enablers program to reach more than 15,000 women-led micro and small enterprises. The second call for proposals to the program drew more than 1,200 applicants. The second cohort will be announced later this year.

“In 2023, we will continue to work closely with our partners to accelerate their ability to lend to women-led micro and small enterprises. Ensuring that the enabling environment is inclusive to enhance women’s ability to access financing will be critical. Thus, we will work closely with policymakers to ensure that the right reforms are in place to accelerate women-led small and medium enterprises’ financial access,” said Kaba

 

Patoma Admin by — February 7, 2023 in Banking & Finance 0
TradeMark launches West Africa operations

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

 

TradeMark East Africa, one of the world’s leading Aid for Trade organisation, has today rebranded to TradeMark Africa (TMA) and simultaneously officially launched its West Africa operations

. Founded in 2010 in Kenya, today marks TradeMark Africa expansion from its previous core operational area of East Africa and the Horn, to also support countries in West and Southern Africa. TradeMark Africa now has a presence in fourteen countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, and Ghana.

TradeMark Africa has to date made cumulative investments of over $1.3 billion in East Africa and the Horn, to reduce the time and costs of trading across borders, and to improve export competitiveness of African businesses.

These have among other results slashed the time for traders to cross borders – by 70% on average; and for businesses to receive certification – often from many days to a number of hours. Its programmes have contributed to a 16.5% reduction in the total time it takes to transport a container on the Northern Corridor from Kenya’s Mombasa Port to Bujumbura, Burundi.

As part of the pivot to West Africa, TradeMark Africa will support the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), based in Accra, Ghana, to realise its vision of integrating the $3.4 trillion African market.

TradeMark Africa will also work with regional economic communities (RECs) such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to boost regional economic integration and accelerate trade. Further, it will work with Member States to ensure Governments and businesses benefit practically from the opportunities presented by these shifts – in particular along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor. The successful implementation of the AfCFTA is predicted to boost incomes in Africa by $450 billion by 2030.

At the same time, TradeMark Africa announced that its new strategy will build on and scale up on its core strengths, to focus on facilitating development of digital and green trade corridors, to position Africa as a partner of choice for global off takers; as well as promoting inclusive trade that drives down poverty levels and ensures that vulnerable groups are more integrated in trading systems.

TradeMark Africa’s Board Chairman, Amb. Erastus Mwencha said, “As a leading Aid-for-Trade (AfT) Programme, a continental approach gives TMA an important opportunity to expand its impactful programming progressively, while supporting the aspirations of AfCFTA to unleash the immense impact that free trade in high value products, exists in Africa. Our key aim remains trade facilitation, just like we have always done in the last 12 years in the East and Horn of Africa region, where we were founded and have had great milestones in our programmes.”

TradeMark Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David Beer remarked, “We believe that combining a regional and national approach has always been part of our comparative advantage.

With our expanded scope, we are excited now to harness the critical continental dimension to drive faster growth in trade volumes, and to support linkages between regions. TMA’s focus on reducing the barriers to trade and improving business competitiveness will also be a core element of tackling the trade challenges of the future, as we pivot towards creating green trade corridors and enhancing regional food security.”

Some of TradeMark Africa successes in the last 12 years include the construction and operationalisation of 15 One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) across East Africa, which have reduced the time taken to cross select borders by up to 89% in some cases. Moreover,

TradeMark Africa has supported the implementation of 60 Single Window Information for Trade (SWIFT) Systems in multiple Government agencies, thus reducing the time and cost of acquiring trade documents, designed the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) on the Northern Corridor in East Africa,which ensures safety of cargo, and operationalised programmes like Standards, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS), and reduction of Non-Tariff Barrier (NTBs). It has also supported over 200,000 women cross-border traders and small and medium enterprises.

 

Patoma Admin by — February 7, 2023 in Industry, Trade & Investment 0
NEPZA, NEZA, FTZs Chieftains bid DCG Ekekezie farewell

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

 

 

The Nigeria Export Processing Authority (NEPZA) and the Nigeria Economic Zones Association (NEZA) have formally led the free trade zones’ community as well as serving and ex-senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to bid Deputy Comptroller-General of customs, Mrs Kathleen Chinwe Ekekezie tumultuous farewell after a 35-year meritorious service.

The event which took place on Saturday at the international Restaurant and Dinner Hall of the Eko Hotel, Lagos was graced by over 400 personalities cutting across the business community, customs, MDAs, families and friends.

DCG KC Ekekezie being given an Excellence Leadership Award by Alh Abdu Fanda Chairman NEPZA board at the event.

 

Ekekezie, who retired as Deputy Comptroller General in-charge of Excise, Free Trade Zone & Industrial Incentives, was described by Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Managing Director of NEPZA as a “quintessential achiever.’’
Adesugba, also, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, said that Ekekezie had combined a number of good virtues to attain the rank of the Deputy Comptroller-General in a heavily competitive and male dominated environment.

The NEPZA boss, explained that Ekekezie was a brilliant officer and administrator whose professional interventions in the management of the affairs of the free trade zones remained palpable and indelible.
“Ekekezie, was a thoroughbred public officer with a proven record of uncommon brilliance and achievements. She has got proven leadership and team building skills.

“She was focused, performance-driven, insightful, innovative, analytical and did develop numerous problem-solving skills over these years. She indeed, brought all these good traits to assist us at the NEPZA board and in the management of the entire free trade zones in Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Authority, management team and staff, I wish her the most peaceful retirement life.’’ Adesugba said.

On his part, Elder Toyin Elegbede, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Economic Zones Association (NEZA) said that retired DCG Ekekezie was loved across all pedestals and that the love, respect and honour for her among the free trade stakeholders remained even more pronounced.

“The association and NEPZA have put this together to celebrate the peaceful retirement of this infrequent Nigerian’’, Elegbede said.

He also said that: “this rare retired customs chief was simply audacious and an exemplary administrator whose footprints on the premises of all the free trade zones shall not be easily erased.’’

A cross section of Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of free zones and other personalities also took turns to deliver their goodwill messages.

In her remarks, the celebrant acknowledged the show of love and honour toward her, adding that all the proclaimed achievements she made while in service were ordered by God.

The Achi, Oji-River Enugu State born retired customs chief, further said that it was her commitment to the fear of God that was instrumental for the customs collecting its first `Trillion Naira revenue’ under her watch as an Acting Deputy Comptroller-General (Tariff & Trade) between December 10, 2017 and January 10, 2018.

Patoma Admin by — February 6, 2023 in Industry, Trade & Investment 0
NEPZA boss commends FG on Segun Awolowo’s appointment

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

 

 

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA),  Prof. Adesoji Adesugba has commended the appointment of Mr Olusegun Awolowo as Secretary, of National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

The AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063 of the African Union. It is a high ambition trade agreement with a comprehensive scope that eliminates barriers to trade in Africa.

You may recall that President Muhammadu Buhari, after months of scrutiny eventually signed the agreement on July 7, 2019 that made Nigeria a member.

Adesugba, therefore, expressed delight to the president’s continued diligent handling of all trade, industry and investment policies of government that pertained to the agreement, adding that the appointment of Awolowo to oversee the national action committee in the local implementation of the agreement was fitting.

The NEPZA Chief Executive Officer, also said that Awolowo would be operating on a familiar ground having served as the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) for the period of eight years.

He further explained that the bold steps taken by the government so far on the local implementation stage of the agreement were exemplary, adding that it was about time the country’s Free Trade Zones, local investors and industries took advantage of the government’s friendly policy around the agreement.

“Let me at this point congratulate Mr Segun Awolowo for his appointment and to wish him well as he frontally leads the country’s business community to boost their participation in trade on the continent.

“We are also very ecstatic with the uncommon commitment of the government in ensuring that the country takes the lead in trading across Africa. Nothing can be re-assuring to achieve this with the recent inauguration of the Deep-Sea Port located in the Lagos Free Zone by the president.’’ he said

Patoma Admin by — February 5, 2023 in Business 0