The Nigeria Export Processing Zone Agency (NEPZA) and Senate Committee on Trade, Industry and Investment have commended LADOL’s achievement in developing a world-class industrial Free Zone over the last 20 years.
Speaking during a recent oversight visit to the zone, Francis Fadahunsi, chairman of the committee, said the delegation was highly impressed by the LADOL Free Zone and confirmed their commitment to protecting the significant investments and achievements of the Zone.
According to him, the promoters took the initiative to invest in Nigeria even when they have options to invest in Dubia, Europe and America.
“The Senate Committee on Trade, Industry and Investment is happy with you and will use its legislative power to back you. If the LADOL and NEPZA introduce backward integration in this place and continue to enlarge the Zone by bringing more investments, youths that are unemployed will be gainfully employed and crime rate will reduce,” Fadahunsi said.
Ishaku Elisha Abbo, vice chairman of the committee, also commended LADOL’s investment initiative.
“I feel proud that an indigenous company like LADOL exists. I feel worried when I see these foreign investors taking over our ports in the name of investment. So, when you see jetties all over own by foreign investors, and not knowing what they bring into the country gives serious concerns security-wise,” he said.
Continuing, Abbo said: “We want to help you. We will speak with one voice, if you have challenges, please let us know. We are going to support you.”
Adesoji Adesugba, managing director of NEPZA, reassured LADOL of the agency’s support, saying that it would ensure that LADOL business survives.
“You can count on the fact that Nigeria will support Nigerians any day. There is work in progress. We will make sure that businesses don’t go elsewhere, and we want businesses to come here,” he added.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp