Kwara State Government has expressed its determination to establish an export processing zone in the state to encourage exportation of goods from the state and the neighboring states to enhance its internal generated revenue and boost economic activities.

The state government, has therefore, sought a more robust collaboration with the Bank of Industry, BoI, to ensure effective realisation of this goal. The state governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, who disclosed this in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, when he hosted the Management of the Bank of Industry(BOI), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, MD/CEO, Mr. Olukayode Pitan, said arrangement was in top gear to fast-track the development of the free trade zone.

According to the governor, “the state government had made initial submissions, through the Bank of Investment; and hope to follow it up in areas where the state will be able to create Export Processing Zone through key anchor tenants, which is already on the ground.”

The governor, who underscored the importance of the free trade zone, said the government would spare no effort to ensure that the plan becomes a reality. Ahmed also said that the zone will generate more job opportunities for teaming youths across the state as a result of economic activities from the zone.

According to the governor, “the plan to have an Export Processing Zone in the state is part of the government’s plan to turn around socio-economic activities of the state.”

The governor, who spoke about his government economy recovery strategy, through support for Small Medium Enterprises, solicited for further support from the BoI for upcoming entrepreneurs in the state.

Pitan, who praised the government for its various supports for Small and Medium Enterprises in the state, said the bank had more than N12billion facilities in the state.

Pitan explained that N9billion had been distributed to various companies in the state and promised to do more. The MD/CEO also sought for further partnership with the state for sustainable growth and development.