The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has stated that it was prepared to canvass for the adoption of “export business accelerator programme” to speedily integrate the country’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) scheme for greater good of the country’s business environment.
This was contained in a press statement issued Wednesday by the Authority’s head of corporate communications, Mr. Martins Odeh.
According to the statement, NEPZA’s managing director, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, disclosed this while delivering a keynote address during the 2021 World Intellectual Property Day Symposium held virtually on Tuesday.
Adesugba also said a new SEZ model could be developed to allow the SMEs undertake ancillary activities within the established zones.
“With more than 60 million Nigerians engaged in SMEs, the federal government will do good to consider the adoption of programs similar to Kenya’s to boost growth for these smaller companies.
“The management of NEPZA is willing to canvass the support and approval of Mr. President for definite and sustainable initiatives that can help in the growth and development of national economy through the robust participation of the SMEs.
“In line with our plans to develop sectoral SEZs for different industries such as medical SEZ, agro-allied, textile, etc, we may seek a strategic alliance with SMEDAN and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to develop a joint SEZ program for SMEs.
“We can draw a good example from Kenya where SMEs have been deliberately integrated into the SEZ scheme through the export business accelerator programme. SMEs are allowed to take up smaller spaces in incubator buildings located within SEZs,” he said, according to the statement.
Adesugba said further that, “With the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and its grave economic consequences on the nations and individuals, there is no better time to seek emergence of geniuses and ideas that can help transform our common loss to sustainable gains in all field of human endeavours especially in the health and economic sectors among others.
“Since inception many other zones have been established. As of December 2020, a total number of 43 zones has been established and now at different stages of development and operation.”
