From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno has asked for support of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) to fast track development in the state.
He made this appeal when the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu led a delegation of his team and the management of the authority, alongside the management of SPFL Gas and Petroleum Sub-Zone, on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Uyo recently.
Mr. Uwajumogu, commended Governor Eno for the efforts made on investments so far in the state.
He stated that the visit to the state has taken the team to SPFL Gas and Petroleum Sub-Zone in Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone, where they witnessed the huge investment and rapid development going on in the zone.
Pledging readiness of the team to support the oil and gas venture, he spoke of the infrastructural strides in the state.
He stated that the feat had prepared the state for the economic revolution about to take place, expressing readiness of the Federal Government to collaborate to make the state an investment haven.
Speaking at the meeting, OGFZA helmsman, Sen. Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, on behalf of the management and staff of OGFZA, congratulated Pastor Eno on his victory in the last election and successful inauguration as governor of the state for taking over the mantle of leadership of the state.
He disclosed that ongoing investments at Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone currently, is not less than $500 million and a speculation of $6 billion in the next six years and have generated about one thousand employment opportunities in the state.
Reiterating the authority’s commitment to support the state government, Sen. Kaura made a case for strengthening of the joint committee earlier constituted, to resolve all land related issues for the speedy take-off of the free zone project.
He informed the governor that contract has been awarded for the building of an office accommodation in the zone as well as construction of the main access road leading to the office.
Governor Eno, in his response to the delegation, commended President Tinubu for providing incentives for the realization of the Oil and Gas Free Zone in the state.
He stated that Mr. President’s unbiased approach for leadership indicated that development could be achieved irrespective of people’s differences.
Governor Eno acknowledged that license for the operation of the zone was awarded by the administration of the All Progressives Congress.
He commended the delegation for keying into the vision of the Federal Government for development to thrive and enable the people to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
He disclosed that his administration has launched a five–pillar agenda “the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda” used as a blueprint to consolidate on the past administration to drive development into the hinterland in order for the rural people to have access to basic amenities, such as good roads, electricity, pipe borne water and health care facilities.
While commending OGFZA for the initiative of establishing the authority’s office at the zone, Governor Eno said it would enhance attraction of more companies and investors to the zone.
He also emphasized on the need for further engagements in order to have a seamless working modalities for the smooth operation of the free zone.
Governor Eno assured the delegation of the preparedness of the state administration to partner with OGFZA towards the development of the zone because the first beneficiary of the free zones is the state in which the zones are domiciled.
Revealing his desire to upscale the Victor Attah International Airport, Governor Eno solicited for the authority’s partnership in the development of the airport.
With the maintenance, repairs and overhaul (MRO), modern terminal and second runway on ground, he requested the authority’s support to facilitate issuance of a Free Trade Zone licence for the airport to assist the Cargo and Airplanes in their services thereby fast-tracking development in the state as well as generating foreign exchange for the country.
