By Odita Sunday
The National Vice Chairman, South-East of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has urged Igbo entrepreneurs to move beyond traditional commerce and take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones to expand manufacturing, exports and job creation.
Arodiogbu, who said his office was ready to guide interested entrepreneurs through the relevant processes, particularly encouraged manufacturers, exporters, young business owners and other investors from the South-East to position their businesses for emerging investment opportunities.
He also called on Ndigbo to give overwhelming support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that the administration’s economic reforms and investment initiatives could provide opportunities for businesses willing to invest in productive sectors of the economy.
Speaking on the need for greater participation of Igbo businesses in the Free Trade Zone system, Arodiogbu said the region’s reputation for enterprise and innovation should translate into stronger investments in manufacturing and export-oriented businesses.
“I am calling on Ndigbo to look beyond the traditional areas of commerce and take full advantage of the opportunities available in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones. Our businessmen and women should be among the leading investors, manufacturers and exporters operating within these zones,” he said.
According to him, businesses operating within approved Free Trade Zones can access incentives under the Free Zone framework, while also benefiting from opportunities to reach export markets, undertake large-scale production and integrate into regional and international supply chains, subject to applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
He identified manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobile and spare-parts production, technology, logistics and warehousing among the sectors in which Igbo entrepreneurs could explore opportunities within the zones.
Arodiogbu said increased participation in the Free Trade Zone system could help the South-East expand its industrial base while creating employment and strengthening Nigeria’s export capacity.
“This is an opportunity for Ndigbo to expand from trading into large-scale manufacturing and export. We have the entrepreneurial capacity, the human resources and the investment appetite. What we need is to properly position our businesses and take advantage of the opportunities available to us,” he stated.
The APC leader said his office would assist entrepreneurs seeking to explore the opportunities by providing guidance on relevant procedures, directing them to appropriate government agencies and helping them identify the channels required to properly position their investments.
“My office is open to assist Ndigbo who want to explore these opportunities. We are prepared to provide guidance on the processes, direct businesses to the appropriate government agencies and help them understand how they can properly position their investments within the Free Zone framework,” he said.
He, however, advised prospective investors to obtain accurate information from relevant regulatory authorities and ensure compliance with all registration, licensing and operational requirements applicable to their businesses.
On President Tinubu’s economic reforms, Arodiogbu urged Ndigbo to support the administration, saying political stability and policy continuity were important to the implementation of long-term economic programmes.
He said the South-East should not remain on the margins of Nigeria’s economic transformation but should actively participate in initiatives capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and increasing the productive capacity of the region.
“Ndigbo should give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu overwhelming support. We must participate actively in the economic transformation of Nigeria rather than watch from the sidelines. Our businesses, our young people and our communities must be positioned to benefit from the opportunities that are emerging,” he said.
Arodiogbu further urged Igbo entrepreneurs to embrace productive investment and explore markets across Nigeria, Africa and the wider global economy.
He maintained that greater investment in manufacturing and export-oriented enterprises would strengthen individual businesses while contributing to job creation, economic growth, regional development and Nigeria’s foreign-exchange earnings.
He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting policies and initiatives that would encourage greater participation of South-East entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s investment and industrial development.
About the Author
