14th May, 2017
Mr Emmanuel Jime, the Managing Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), has advised staff of the authority to redouble their efforts in promoting economic diversification and industrial growth.
Jime gave the advice in Calabar in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja after addressing the workers on Friday.
He assured the staff of a new welfare package as part of the initiatives to motivate them to spearhead the process of Nigeria’s industrialisation.
According to him, the duty of marketing the agency to Nigeria and the international community is incumbent upon all staff.
“There is a new welfare package coming. I want to assure you and it is not too long from now.
“One of the first things I did upon assumption of office was to set up a high-powered management panel to look at the issue of welfare, salaries, promotions as well as contract staff.
“I am committed to staff welfare; it is my understanding that only a well-motivated staff can enable NEPZA to achieve its mandate of economic diversification and industrial growth.
“So I am suing for the cooperation of all staff. Wherever they may be, we need to be on the same page.
“I have come into office with a dream, a dream about NEPZA taking Nigeria to the next level, and I urge you to identify with the new vision.
“And since history belongs to dreamers, join me and let us dream together for our country,” he appealed.
Jime explained that his visit to Calabar was part of his fact-finding and familiarisation visits to the Free Trade Zones (FTZs) in the country.
He said that the aim of his visit was to see things by him so as to enable him formulate policy from a position of first-hand information.
“China’s economic magic is anchored around its innovations in the FTZs and this is why we must market the concept to all industry stakeholders to remove all misconceptions.
“Close all gaps and do away with red tape so that our FTZs can attain the roles envisioned for them in the regulatory framework,’’ he said.