***APC South-East Leader Says His Office Is Ready to Guide Igbo Entrepreneurs Through Registration and Investment Opportunities
By Miriam Humbe
The National Vice Chairman, South-East of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has urged Ndigbo, particularly entrepreneurs, manufacturers, exporters and young business owners, to take advantage of the opportunities available in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones.
Arodiogbu said greater participation by Igbo businesses in the Free Trade Zone system would help unlock new opportunities for industrialisation, export expansion, employment generation, technology transfer and wealth creation.
He also called on Ndigbo to give overwhelming support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the administration’s economic reforms and investment initiatives as opportunities that Nigerian entrepreneurs should actively explore.
According to him, Ndigbo have a long-standing reputation for enterprise, innovation and commercial excellence, and should therefore position themselves to benefit from policies designed to encourage productive investment and export-oriented businesses.
“I am calling on Ndigbo to look beyond the traditional areas of commerce and take full advantage of the opportunities available in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones. Our businessmen and women should be among the leading investors, manufacturers and exporters operating within these zones,” Arodiogbu said.
Arodiogbu noted that businesses operating within approved Free Trade Zones can benefit from a range of incentives and a business environment designed to promote investment, production and exports.
He identified potential advantages to include duty and tax incentives applicable under the Free Zone framework, easier access to export markets, improved investment facilitation, opportunities for large-scale manufacturing, employment creation, infrastructure within designated zones and greater integration into regional and international supply chains, subject to applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
He said the Free Zone model could be particularly beneficial to Igbo entrepreneurs involved in manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobile and spare-parts production, technology, logistics, warehousing and other export-oriented businesses.
“This is an opportunity for Ndigbo to expand from trading into large-scale manufacturing and export.
“We have the entrepreneurial capacity, the human resources and the investment appetite. What we need is to properly position our businesses and take advantage of the opportunities available to us,” he stated.
The APC National Vice Chairman, South-East, further announced that his office is open to assisting and guiding interested Igbo businesses and entrepreneurs seeking information on how to explore Free Trade Zone opportunities.
He said the office would provide guidance and help interested entrepreneurs understand the relevant procedures, identify appropriate channels and connect them with the appropriate government institutions and regulatory authorities where necessary.
“My office is open to assist Ndigbo who want to explore these opportunities. We are prepared to provide guidance on the processes, direct businesses to the appropriate government agencies and help them understand how they can properly position their investments within the Free Trade Zone framework,” Arodiogbu said.
He, however, advised prospective investors to obtain proper information from the relevant regulatory authorities and comply with all registration, licensing and operational requirements applicable to their businesses.
Arodiogbu also appealed to Ndigbo to support President Tinubu’s administration, arguing that political stability and continuity are important for the implementation of long-term economic policies.
He said the South-East should not remain on the margins of Nigeria’s economic transformation but should actively participate in programmes capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and expanding the productive capacity of the region.
“Ndigbo should give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu overwhelming support. We must participate actively in the economic transformation of Nigeria rather than watch from the sidelines. Our businesses, our young people and our communities must be positioned to benefit from the opportunities that are emerging,” he said.
The APC leader urged Igbo entrepreneurs to embrace productive investment and explore new markets across Nigeria, Africa and the global economy.
He maintained that increased investment by Ndigbo in manufacturing and export-oriented enterprises would not only strengthen individual businesses but also contribute significantly to job creation, economic growth, regional development and Nigeria’s foreign-exchange earnings.
Arodiogbu reaffirmed his commitment to promoting policies and initiatives that would encourage greater participation of South-East entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s emerging investment and industrial opportunities.
