Ogun Free Trade Zone Sets Benchmark for Nationwide Replication, Says NCSP Director General

Ogun Free Trade Zone Sets Benchmark for Nationwide Replication, Says NCSP Director General

Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), an agency under the Presidency, has lauded the remarkable success of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), calling it a model that will be replicated in other free trade zones across the country.

During a courtesy visit to the free trade zone on Thursday, Mr. Tegbe highlighted the presence of 173 companies operating within the zone, which have generated over 10,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs for Nigerians. The zone also produces over 300 megawatts of electricity to support its operations.

"I came to the Ogun-Guangdong FTZ to witness the impressive achievements here. This FTZ has excelled in attracting Chinese investors," Mr. Tegbe stated. "Currently, there are 173 enterprises operating here, and we aim to ensure that the successful strategies employed here are replicated in other free trade zones. We also need to address specific requests from investors in the OGFTZ."

He emphasized the importance of using the FTZ as a showcase to attract further investments into Nigeria and to encourage collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese investors in re-industrializing the country.

Mr. Tegbe noted that the NCSP was established to coordinate Nigeria's economic and business relationship with China, ensuring that the nation speaks with a unified voice. He acknowledged that no country has achieved self-sufficiency without external collaboration. Drawing parallels with China's development, he expressed Nigeria's intention to master technology through its partnership with China to tackle challenges in industrialization, food security, and other developmental goals.

He expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu's initiatives, stating, "While things may be challenging now, I assure you that improvements in the economy will come within the next few months. In 12 months, Nigerians will commend the President for his bold strategies addressing food security and industrialization. Patience is key."

Mr. Tegbe highlighted the operational success of companies within the zone, including one that produces 500 metric tons of glass daily and another that manufactures 600 metric tons of steel. "What we need to do is replicate these successes, support the technologies involved, and ensure Nigeria benefits from them," he added.

Dr. Hafsat Oduwole-Balewa, Chairman of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, shared her observations with journalists, recalling that less than 40 industries operated in the zone when she was appointed. Today, the zone boasts 173 industries, dispelling previous misconceptions about the quality of Chinese products.

In her earlier speech, Dr. Hafsat described the OGFTZ as a testament to the Nigeria-China relationship, showcasing the potential of strategic cooperation from infrastructure to industrial output. She expressed optimism that under Mr. Tegbe's leadership, the OGFTZ model could reach even greater heights.

"I believe that through your office, we can attract high-value investments, enhance technology transfer, and expand our export capacity in line with Nigeria's economic diversification goals. We are excited about collaborating with your office to attract new categories of investors, particularly in advanced manufacturing and green technologies,