President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the request of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo seeking a free zone status for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone.
The approval was conveyed via a letter titled: “RE: Recommendation For Approval and Designation of Free Trade Zone Status in Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) Situated on 208.949 Hectares of Land Located Ado-Ijan Road, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state,” addressed to the Minister and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
According to a statement by the media aide to the former Ekiti state governor, Ifedayo Sayo, the president’s letter read, “I refer to your letter Ref.No., FMITI/CED/4748/Vol1 dated 22 February 2023 on the above subject.
“Kindly note that Mr President has granted free zone status approval for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone located along Ado-Ijan road, Ekiti State on a parcel of land measuring approximately 208.949HA with coordinates 8042765.02m’N;761’ 244.963m’ E, in accordance with Section 1 (1) of the NEPZA Act Cap. N107 Laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.
“Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
Reacting, the Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji commended President Buhari for approving the free trade zone for the state, saying, ” the approval is a necessary condition for inflow of investments into the EKZ, which will be the first service-based special economic zone and a major driver of economic growth in the state.”
Oyebanji through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, also hailed the former governor, and the Managing Director of the National Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Professor Adesoji Adesugba for their support.
The governor said, “While the state government is appreciative of the Federal Government’s gesture, it congratulates the people of the state for the landmark achievement. It urges investors and young professionals to take advantage of the EKS.
“With the approval, a major condition for raising the necessary capital to achieve the zone’s objectives has now been met, and we expect to attract the required capital later in the year.
“The Government of Ekiti state is committed to the infrastructure and economic development of the state and will continue to collaborate with relevant Government institutions, private entities and development partners to advance the socio-economic and infrastructure development of the state and ensure shared prosperity for all.”
