Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, the Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), has commended the Federal Government for restoring regular power supply to Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ).
A statement issued on Friday by Martins Odeh, Head Corporate Communications, NEPZA, said that the CFTZ had suffered 20 years of epileptic power supply.
The statement quoted Adesugba as making the commendation when Chief Saleh Nabib, the chairman, Board of the Economic Zones Association visited him in Abuja.
According to Adesugba, the restoration of 24-hours power supply in the zone occurred while the 25 megawatts power up scaling contract of the place awarded by the Federal Government was yet to be completed.
He explained that the feat largely depended on the Authority’s synergy with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company to ensure the unlocking of the values of the zone to contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“We are pleased to announce that 24-hours power supply is now restored in the Calabar Free Trade Zone.
“The Authority is indeed grateful to the Federal Government’s numerous interventions in this regard and to the Calabar Electricity Distribution Company (CEDC).
“This development will of course lead to unlocking the value of investments and production activity in the zone,’’ Adesugba said.
Nabib also expressed satisfaction over Federal Government’s commitment and investments toward restoring Nigeria’s free trade zones.
He further expressed joy that works to upscale power supplies in the Calabar and Kano Free Trade Zones were carried out smoothly.
According to Nabib, over 20 years of epileptic power situation in the zone stunted the growth of investments within the enclave.
He said that only stable electricity in the zone could make the place attractive.
“Our members operating in that zone are now basking in this development and we only hope that this is sustained.
“The new NEPZA management under Prof. Adesugba has been magical in providing solutions to some of the teething challenges in zones operation in the country,’’ Nabib said.
