NEPZA Partners Borno to Revive Dormant Banki Free Trade Zone

By Linda Ike

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has pledged support to Borno State Government to revamp the moribund Banki Free Trade Zone, positioning it as an economic gateway to the Maghreb region.

NEPZA Managing Director, Olufemi Ogunyemi announced the commitment during a courtesy visit by Governor Babagana Zulum in Abuja.

He highlighted challenges like flooding, funding shortages, and insecurity, vowing to deploy NEPZA’s expertise in attracting foreign direct investment and technical aid to unlock the zone’s potential for North East economic empowerment.

Governor Zulum welcomed the collaboration, promising substantial state investments in infrastructure.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for backing free trade zones to drive growth and industrialisation.

In another development, NEPZA Board Chairman, Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, at the board’s inaugural meeting in Abuja, reaffirmed dedication to non-oil export promotion.

“We thank the President for his leadership in our export-driven ambitions,” Kaura stated.