Guangdong Xinguang International, China, the mother company of Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone located in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun state is planning to establish additional five manufacturing factories in the Free Trade Zone this year, bringing the number of registered companies operating in the zone to 35.
The five proposed manufacturing companies which will include power plant – generation and distribution plant; stainless tank manufacturers, furniture and cabinet-making plant, tissue paper manufacturers among other manufacturing companies, according to Jason Han, the managing director of the zone, will be unveiled and started production Q1 this year.
Speaking at the weekend while receiving Bimbo Ashiru, Ogun stste commissioner for commerce and industry and Bayo Ikujenyo, president OGUNCIMMA to Ogun-Guangdong FTZ, Jason Han disclosed that FTZ which was commissioned in 2010, was not only contributing to the nation’s gross domestic product, but also ensured to improved standard of living.
Had said that the FTZ procured about N3 billion worth raw-materials locally per annum, remitted N800 million yearly as salaries for 2,500 Nigerian workers and spent N500 million as import duties on container clearing per annum, adding that the proposed additional plants would increase the zone expenses on salaries, local raw-materials and taxes to governments.
The Ogun-Guangdong FTZ manging director however, decried frequent encroachment on the FTZ’s land by illegal land speculators, just as he urged both Federal and State governments to provide essential and required infrastructure in Igbesa/Agbara axis, especially roads and effective security around the axis.
Responding, Bimbo Ashiru, State commissioner for commerce and industry disclosed that Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led administration had committed itself to the re-construction of Atan-Ota/Igbesa/Agbara road and would also persuade the Federal government to render its support.
Ashiru said that government had begun the rehabilitation and re-construction of roads at the OPIC Estate in Agbara using Public Private Partnership arrangement and government would not hesitate to replicate such gesture in other industrial estates across the State.
He however confirmed that government was improving on security of lives and property everyday and “Ogun state is safe for business and government is providing enabling environment for businesses and investments to thrive”.
By: RAZAQ AYINLA
