The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and other stakeholders have emphasised on strengthening Nigeria-China collaboration for the development and management of Nigerian Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for economic growth.
They stated this at a just concluded seminar in China, which focused on market-oriented reforms that have fuelled China’s economic growth, organised by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos and Tianjin Economic-technological Development Area (TEDA),
The seminar, which aimed to strengthen Nigeria-China collaboration, offering valuable lessons for the management of Nigerian SEZs, covered topics such as market-oriented reforms, environmental protection, and foreign direct investment, with Chinese experts sharing their experiences and best practices.
The Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Queen Ogbudu, noted that the service plays a pivotal role in the development and management of SEZs, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in fostering international collaboration and economic progress.
The Managing Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, lauded the China’s SEZ scheme, describing it as a brilliant idea that that transformed China into an economic powerhouse.
One of the delegates, Dr. Abdul Jhalil Tafawa Balewa, who praised the seminar, said he was impressed by China’s economic transformation and its potential applicability to Nigeria, therefore thanked TEDA for the lessons learned.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu who also participated in the seminar, expressed satisfaction with the seminar, noting the resilient spirit of the Chinese people.
Alamutu emphasized that this experience would strengthen Nigeria-China relations and proposed a security collaboration and exchange program to enhance capacity development, linking economic progress with safety and security.
The Oloja Ekun of Igbesa, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulazeez Oluwatoyin Akinde, commended the Chinese government’s efforts to attract foreign investments through SEZs and improve educational standards.
As a result of his experience in the seminar, he expressed a desire to replicate these successes in Igbesa which hosts the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone. He thanked the organizers and anticipated future collaborations.
On his part, the Rector of Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH) Igbesa, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, remarked that the seminar was a significant eye-opener, highlighting China’s remarkable technological advancements.
