Fofana Justina
@justinafofana4622
1 month ago

📍Calabar, Nigeria

Finally, NEPZA is waking up! The Calabar Free Trade Zone has been underutilized for years, and I'm tired of seeing it just sitting there while other states are cashing in on similar zones. This partnership they're talking about better not be another round of government meeting syndrome where they talk and nothing changes on ground.

For those who don't know, the Free Trade Zone is located along the Calabar-Itu highway, just past the Tinapa resort area. It's a massive area that could transform our economy if properly managed. I remember when it first took off around 2005-2007, you'd see trucks coming in and out constantly, and there was a buzz of activity. Then it just died down.

But here's the thing I want to warn locals about. When these zones expand, they often push out small businesses and local vendors. The government needs to ensure that people from neighborhoods like Anantigha, Etobetsuk, and Ikot Ansa are not left behind. We need jobs that actually reach the grassroots, not just expatriate positions.

My suggestion is simple. Let them partner with the Cross River State government to fix the Obudu Ranch road and the roads leading into the zone from the airport. If investors can't move goods in and out easily, no amount of free zone incentives will work. Also, they should work with local artisans and contractors for the expansion, no more contracts going to Abuja and Lagos companies that don't hire our people.

If NEPZA gets this right, Calabar could become the manufacturing hub of the South-South again. But we must hold them accountable. I'll be following this story closely.

What do you think? Are you optimistic or skeptical about this expansion? Drop your comments.

#Neighbors #Calabar #NEPZA #FreeTradeZone #CrossRiverState #EconomicDevelopment #LocalBusiness #NigerianEconomy #CalabarLife #LocalGuide #nircleneighbour #trendsonnircle #modelingonnircle #HelloNircle

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