From Chidi Nnadi and Petrus Obi, Enugu
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to rehabilitate critical infrastructure in the South-East region to boost activities in the new Enugu Enpower Free Trade Zone (Enpower FTZ).
Ugwuanyi who made this appeal, yesterday, at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Enpower FTZ at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, said the establishment of the free trade zone has created new demand for infrastructural renewal in the region.
“The establishment of this free trade zone has created an urgent need for the construction of a second runway at the airport (Akanu Ibiam) to accommodate the expected increase in air traffic. We, therefore, invite the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to present to us a plan for this project and we affirm the availability of land required for its actualisation.
“We further appeal to the Federal Government to ensure that the airport meets with all internationally accepted standards, especially by extending and resurfacing the existing runway and installing or building facilities that would improve night operations and accommodate heavier aircraft that are used for international and intercontinental travels. We equally request an upgrade of facilities at the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, Imo State, which is the only airport in the South-East.
“In the same vein, we will like to use this occasion, to once again, humbly request the urgent intervention of the Federal Government in the rehabilitation of all federal roads in the South-East, more especially those linking the capital cities of the region and most of which are in very deplorable conditions.
“We make a case also for the revival of the railway network linking the South-Eastern states and the opening of new links to other parts of the country. We equally seek the assistance of the Federal Government in the development of inland ports and jetties to enhance maritime activities in the region.”
Ugwuanyi said he was optimistic that when these projects are fully realised, they would complement the Enpower FTZ in delivering a formidable pedestal for the economic and industrial development of the region and the country in general.
The Enugu free trade zone which was midwifed by former governor Sullivan Chime administration, Ugwuanyi said was licensed by the Federal Government in December 2015.
“It is the only free trade zone in the South-East region and offers international and domestic investors an easy link to businesses from the South-Eastern cluster which has been acclaimed as the second largest economic cluster in Nigeria after the Lagos cluster.
“Today’s ceremony marks another giant leap in our drive for foreign investment as well as the economic diversification roadmap of Enugu State, the South-East and that of the country in general,” he said.
The governor believes that the free trade zone would offer free trade conditions and liberal regulatory environment with the aim of attracting foreign investors, partners and buyers that could facilitate the entry of some local industrial goods into the world market, thus generating employment and foreign exchange.
He also said the Enpower FTZ would boost economic activities and help in stemming capital flight by localising skill acquisition among the youths as a way of curbing unemployment and increasing the country’s total factor productivity.
Ugwuanyi thanked President Buhari, members of the national and state assemblies and their partners for their contributions to the success of the groundbreaking ceremony.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Enpower Free Trade Zone, Engr. Emeka Eneh, thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for the encouragement that led to the take-off of the project.
Recalling that the application for the free trade zone was made in 2007, he expressed joy that the dream has finally materialised.
The Enpower FTZ boss noted that Enugu is central in the region for the establishment of the project, adding that the state is also relatively peaceful.
Dignitaries who attended the groundbreaking ceremony included: the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon (Mrs) Cecilia Ezeilo; Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; Secretary for the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Pius Anyim; former Minister of Information, Chief John Nnia Nwodo (Jnr); Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Nigeria, Mr Pavel Mikes represented by head of mission, Hanna; state PDP Chairman, Mr Augustine Nnamani; state ALGON Chairman, Chief Cornelius Nnaji; Enugu Chamber of Commerce President, Chief Ugo Chime; leader of South-East, South-South Professionals, Chief Emeka Ugwu-Ojo; Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council Chairman, Amb. Lawrence Agubuzo, among others.
