Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has appealed to the Federal Government for the approval of the Remo Economic Zone to operate as a Free Trade Zone. The plea was made during a meeting with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and her team at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun stressed the importance of the approval to facilitate the commencement of operations for processing companies that have committed to processing their raw materials within the zone. He highlighted that the zone has the potential to attract multiple processing companies within the next year, making it the state with the highest number of Special Agro Processing Zones out of the six.
Explaining the significance of the Remo Economic Zone, Governor Abiodun mentioned the collaborative effort between the state government and a third party in its development. He emphasized the need for Free Trade Zone status, enabling global processing companies to process raw materials from across the state and the zone, with the ability to export products to other parts of the continent.
Governor Abiodun acknowledged the Minister’s initiative to review existing Free Trade Zones and stressed the challenges faced due to the ongoing contracts awarded by their partner. He expressed urgency in finding a solution to expedite the process.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to economic development, the governor mentioned the construction of key infrastructure such as the Epe-Ijebu-ode road, the economic zone around Kajola with a soon-to-be-launched Dry Seaport, and another in Yewa through the Ota axis. These zones aim to ensure convenient processing of cargo in Ogun State, generating job opportunities and enhancing value chains.
Governor Abiodun also informed the minister about the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to kickstart the construction of the Deep Seaport at Olokola, completing the economic zones’ circle in the state.
Expressing gratitude for the visit, Governor Abiodun highlighted its significance in strengthening the relationship between the state and the federal government.
In response, Minister Uzoka-Anite commended the state’s developmental strides, acknowledging Ogun State as an industrial capital. She recognized the conducive business environment and essential infrastructure that attract investors, expressing the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborate with the state for mutual industrialization and development.
