Ekiti Now Free Trade Zone, As President Buhari Gives Approval

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti state has been designated as a Free Trade Zone.

This follows an approval granted by President Muhammadu Buhari to the request of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo seeking a free zone status to the Ekiti Knowledge Zone

According to Ifedayo Sayo, Special Assistant to the Minister, the approval was conveyed via a letter titled: “RE: Recommendation For Approval and Designation of Free Trade Zone Status in Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ).

“It is situated on 208.949 Hectares of Land located along Ado-Ijan Road, Ado Ekiti,Ekiti State,” addressed to the Minister and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari.”

The letter reads in part, “I refer to your letter Ref.No., FMITI/CED/4748/Vol1 dated 22 February, 2023 on the above subject.

“Kindly note that Mr President has granted free zone status approval for the Ekiti knowledge Zone, located along Ado-Ijan road, Ekiti State on a parcel of land measuring approximately 208.949HA with coordinates 8042765.02m’N;761’ 244.963m’ E, in accordance with Section 1 (1) of the NEPZA Act Cap. N107 Laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

“Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”

Ekiti Free Trade Zone, situated along same route with the cargo airport, is necessitated by the commissioning of the airport by the immediate past administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Aside a single flight by a military aircraft on the day of the commissioning in October last year, the cargo airport has remained closed for use.