Alhaji Usman Bello, District Head of Ketare Kankara in Katsina State, has lauded Federal Government for establishing Funtua free trade zone, saying it would help reduce unemployment and enhance economic activities in the area.
The district head said this when he spoke with newsmen on Tuesday in Katsina.
“I just returned from Abuja after visiting Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba.
“During the visit, Adesugba assured that the federal government was committed to using the free trade zone to reduce high unemployment rate in the country.
“When the zone is operational, it will leverage on the cotton belt of the North West to commence active production of varieties of fabrics in commercial quantities,” Bello said.
The district head said that such industrial hubs would assist in addressing root causes of security challenges bedeviling Nigeria.
He also commended federal government for appointing Adesugba as NEPZA MD.
“The people of Katsina are eagerly waiting for the commissioning of the Funtua free trade zone.
“The zone will no doubt boost commercial activities, production, employment, and income for our people of the area,” he said.
Bello, a former Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) was a course mate of Adesugba, having joined the service in 1982.
He urged the NEPZA MD to use his wealth of experience to reposition the organisation towards attaining its mandate.