OGFZA seeks collaboration on Ikpokiri oil & gas free zone development

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Sen. Tijjani Kaura, has sought collaboration with the Rivers State government for the development of an oil and gas free zone in Ikpokiri Island, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of the state.

Kaura who described Ikpokiri Island as a green field with latent potential for wealth and job creation, said he was committed to establish more oil and gas free zones to boost the nation’s economy.

The former lawmaker speaking when he led the management of OGFZA on a courtesy visit to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, discussed with the governor possible collaborations and other mutual interest to harness the oil and free zones potentials for economic growth in the state.

Soliciting for the Rivers State government support in the development of Ikpokiri Island, the OGFZA boss revealed the myriad of opportunities available on the Island, being a green field virgin land without much development since it was declared a free zone in 1996.

He told the governor of the levels of support they require from the State government to put to full use the Ikpokiri Island as an economic free zone, emphasised on the opportunities for wealth and job creation with the number of investors already jostling for the zone, if the Rivers State Government would take advantage to support OGFZA in the development effort.

He said, “If the state government would take advantage of the area to support OGFZA in the development effort, Ikpokiri would become another modern city in the State.

“Already, foreign investors from Japan have indicated interest in investing in the island.

“Partnership with OGFZA in the development of Ikpokiri Island is critical and beneficial to promote investment and economic development for creating wealth and employment opportunities for Rivers State and Nigeria by extension.”

Responding, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who expressed concerns over the dilapidated state of the East-West Road, however, appreciated the OGFZA boss for identifying with his administration, while expressing his desire to attract more investments to the State.

Governor Fubara said his administration will leave no stone unturned in creating the right business environment for all investors, adding that the collaboration with OGFZA on the development and utilisation of Ikpokiri Island in Ogu/Bolo as an economic zone, will be seen from how it will directly benefit the State.