The Managing Director of Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof Adesoji Adesugba has called on investors in Halal industry from all over the world to patronise Nigeria’s free trade zones ahead of the commencement of the African free trade zone agreement (AFCTA).
Adesugba made the call while delivering his address titled: “The Role of Free Trade Zones in Booming Halal Global Business’’ to investors audience via webinar on Saturday in Lagos.
The NEPZA boss said the free trade zones offered juicy incentives to halal investors who could use Nigeria as a location for the production of a variety of business value chains.
Adesugba, who reeled out some pertinent statistics that confirmed Nigeria as a huge market compared to other countries in the West African sub-region, said the country’s business environment held a lot of promises as it was fully linked and intertwined.
According to Adesugba, investors should not just consider the Nigerian population but strategically review the entire West African market extending to entire sub-Saharan Africa as markets of opportunities which can be serviced through the Nigerian production point.
“Investors should see beyond Nigerian huge population. Nigeria is almost representative of the African market. So investing in Nigeria is a bold entrance into the African market. Halal investors should count on robust investment infrastructure provided by the over 40 free trades zones dotted across the country.
“You are offered opportunities that guarantee ease of take-off and flourishing operations. We offer a tax-free regime and free import duties on imported raw materials. You will be able to access generous incentives”, the managing director said.
Elaborating further at the webinar attended by stakeholders from all over the world, the NEPZA Chief Executive, stated that the free zones authority under his leadership was opened to local and foreign investors in the halal industry.
The NEPZA also said that it was heartwarming to see that the sector was growing exponentially worldwide.
“I agree, we need to address the issue of standardisation and regulations. But we want to assure investors that Nigeria through NEPZA is open for business. You are free to enter an existing zone or you can even apply for a private zone. All opportunities are at your doorstep,’’ Adesuga said.
The webinar organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry was attended by the Grand Mufti of Nigeria, Sheikh Sahrif Saleh; Naccima President, Hajia Sarah Iya Aliyu; President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce Prince Adetokunbo Kayode and other stakeholders.
