Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has officially received the free zone operating license for the Maigatari Border Free Trade Zone, recently issued by the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Dutse by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel.
According to the statement, the license was formally presented to Governor Umar Namadi in his office by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, Alhaji Aminu Kanta.
Hamisu Mohammed Gumel explained that, since its inception, the present administration has been putting its efforts into processing the acquisition of the operating license from NEPZA.
According to him, this clearly shows the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth, enhancing trade opportunities, and positioning Jigawa State as a strategic hub for investment and industrial development.
The CPS pointed out that, the establishment of the Maigatari Border Free Trade Zone is meant to attract local and international investors, promote job creation, and boost commercial activities, particularly in the northern region of Nigeria.
He added that, with this milestone, Jigawa state continues to strengthen its role as a key player in nation’s economic diversification agenda.
He said, Governor Namadi expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts that led to securing the license and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to providing an enabling environment for the border-free trade zone to operate effectively.
Hamisu noted that, under the administration of Governor Umar Namadi, the Maigatari Free Trade Zone has so far experienced notable developments aimed at boosting economic diversification and industrialization in Jigawa State.
He said, key achievements include revitalization of the Maigatari Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and commissioning of the COMTTRA Jigawa Hibiscus processing plant in February 2024.
Others also include partnership with the Nigeria-Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce (NAGCC), wherein in May 2024, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NAGCC.
COV/USMAN MZ
