By Wilbet Ijeoma
The Chairman of Delta Special Economic Zone-Management Company (DSEZ-MC) today held a press briefing aimed at enlightening the public on the activities and operations at the Koko and Kwale Free Trade Zones, (FTZs),
.
Gen. Ndubisi, while addressing journalists at DSEZ-MC headquarters in Anwai road Asaba, noted that the idea of DSEZ is an acceleration of “Delta Beyond Oil” conceived by the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa in 2023, to subsume the former Kwale Industrial Park project into a far broader, global Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework in line with federal licensing by Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEΡΖΑ).
He stated that the Delta Special Economic Zone has a total of 3,200 hectares of land 2,200 hectares at Koko and 1,000 at Kwale, conferring on it a strong voting membership in the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO).
Underscoring the advantages of the economic zone, Ndubisi noted that investors would enjoy full company Income Tax and duty exemptions, 100% profit repatriation, “one-stop investment facilitation, and strong legal protections tailored for ease of doing business.
Speaking further, the Chairman commended the Executive Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for sustaining and accelerating this vision,by providing prompt license funding, critical infrastructural development by the construction of 5km road network within the local communities, and direct investment support.
Highlighting the compositions of the Koko and Kwale Free Trade Zones, Gen Ndubisi stated that while the Koko counterpart is designed to feature residential areas, healthcare, commercial centers, and vocational institutions with currently operating companies such as Koko Refinery & Petrochemical company, Delta Energy Park, Tetracore Energy Group and Huafel Auto Trading, the Kwale counterpart comprising 5 communities namely: [Umuseti, Emu-Ebendo. Obodogwa Ogume, Ogbeole Ogume, and Umusam) is positioned directly over OMLS 60, 61, 62, and 63 (which has over 30% of Nigeria’s gas reserves), backed by the 083 pipeline and ELPS interconnections,.with currently operating companies such as Phoenix Gas. Delta Wire, Xenergi. Chorus Energy. Master Chemicals & Fertilizer (in partnership with Dantata), and South Atlantic LNG.
“This zone is a multimodal logistics hub;” Ndubisi stated, adding that economic factors for localization of industry were contemplated before situating the zone, such as proximity to market, raw materials and transportation.
“The Zone is 5 minutes to the Koko Port (slated for deep-sea modernization), one hour away from Benin Airport. 2 hours away from Osubi Airport, 3 hours from Asaba International Airport, and 2 hours to Warri, Abraka, and Agbor rail stations.”; the Chairman noted.
Ndubisi who is the immediate past NNU President-General confirmed that the
Kwale Free Zone will be host to the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) 200 hectares agro-industrial hub, and that shortly Phoenix Gas will be commissioning the commencement of its operations, and making 3 megawatts (MW) of surplus power available for distribution to Kwale and environs.
Responding to questions raised by journalists, the Director of Zones, Mr E C. Ofunne confirmed that massive infrastructural development is ongoing, citing the nearly completed 5.6 km road in Ndokwa zone that will unlock the local communities for accelerated growth and development.
On whether there is ongoing litigation bordering on land acquisition, Ofunne allayed such concern and confirmed that land owners were adequately compensated by the government with proper documentation. He stated that opportunities to invest in the special economic zone are open to both indigenous and foreign investors.
Speaking further, Ofunne gave credit to Delta State Government in partnership with Africa Development Bank for a blueprint to bring about industrial and agricultural revolution in the zone.
“120 processing factories would be domiciled in Kwale with about 60,000 hectares of land set aside for farmers”; Ofunne affirmed, while encouraging local investors to key in.
He noted that off-takers have commenced projects and in the next 4 years there would be massive development in the region.
Ndubisi assured that sooner than later, Deltans would begin to appreciate the impact of the DSEZ. particularly its value chain eco-system which will provide opportunities for our teeming productive youthful population.
Also in attendance were staff members of Delta State Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) and the Press. Highpoints of the event were press briefing, question-and-answer, and group photograph.
