The National Assembly and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority have urged operators of Free Trade Zones to develop and implement more effective, sustainable strategies to support the growth and regeneration of their host communities.
Both bodies highlighted the need for operators to ensure that local communities derive significant benefits from the presence of these businesses.
They stressed the importance of addressing the social and infrastructure needs of the surrounding areas, ensuring that the operations of FTZs contribute to the long-term economic and social development of their locations.
This call followed a two-day inspection of several Free Trade Zones in the Lekki area of Lagos State, led by the Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, alongside members of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment.
The advice came after a comprehensive assessment of the operational impact of the companies on the surrounding areas, considering various environmental, social, and economic factors influenced by their activities.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by NEPZA Head of Corporate Communications, Martins Odehon Thursday in Abuja, noting that the team toured the Lekki Free Zone, Dangote Free Zone Enterprise, Dangote Refinery, Lagos Free Zone, Lekki Deep Seaport, and several other enterprises within the zones.
In his address, the Chairman of the committee, Sen. Sadiq Suleiman Umar, emphasized that Free Trade Zone operators and their enterprises must play a key role in helping host communities transition away from poverty.
Sen. Umar noted that the Federal Government was concerned about the current approach to “Corporate Social Responsibility” by the FTZ operators in their host communities, stressing that a well-defined and measurable strategy was required for the sustainable regeneration of these areas.
“We are pleased with the significant contributions of the scheme to our nation’s economy so far. From what we have seen, it is safe to say that the Lekki Quadrant provides the Free Trade Zone scheme with an excellent environment, now serving as an economic gateway for our country,” said Sen. Umar.
“The committee, and by extension, the National Assembly, will be even more gratified if the host communities are given more opportunities to boost their prosperity measurably.”
He further said, “For example, we want accurate data on the interventions, with progressive reports on the well-being of beneficiaries and the impact such targeted actions have on the people.”
Dr Ogunyemi, in agreement with Sen. Umar’s position, highlighted the need for swift action by Free Trade Zone operators across the country in adopting the Community Social Regeneration Concept without delay.
“We must continually credit His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose foresight led to the setting aside of the area for economic emancipation,” he said.
“Therefore, regenerating the host communities will enhance mutuality, respect, and sustainability, bridging the development gap within the Free Trade Zone ecosystem.”
