L-R: NEPZA’s General Manager Operations Private, Muazu Ruma; Managing Director of NEPZA, Prof Adesoji Adesugba; Managing Director of LADOL, Dr. Amy Jadesimi during a courtesy visit of the Managing Director of NEPZA and it top management team to LADOL’s Free Zone.
Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, has commended LADOL Free Zone.
Speaking during an official tour of the Zone, Prof. Adesugba expressed particular support for LADOL expansion in attracting Agricultural Processing and Healthcare companies into the Zone, as well as partnerships with international companies such as Mammoet.
Prof Adesoji Adesugba was joined on his familiarisation tour by the top management of NEPZA, many of whom were familiar with LADOL having worked with the Zone for the last 16 years.
Prof Adesoji Adesugba stated that LADOL’s development of infrastructure and facilities for logistics, now being expanded to support a wide range of industries, is both strategic for the company and for Nigeria, noting that:
“More than one billion dollar is spent by Nigerians going abroad for medicals tourism every year and that is an opportunity for us.
“This is one area we will be very happy to work with you [LADOL] in promoting. Also, the very important aspect of Agriculture Free Zone. I am happy that you are thinking in that direction.”
He further explained that he had assumed the leadership position of the agency at a time when COVID-19 pandemic was ravaging the world, necessitating a holistic strategy towards medical tourism using Free Zone approach in Nigeria.
In agriculture, Prof Adesoji Adesugba commended LADOL initiative in setting up more cold store facilities, which he suggested could also service the fishing industry in Nigeria, which he identified as a key opportunity for private sector owing to the significant amount of fish Nigerians consume annually.
Prof Adesoji Adesugba, who had a long illustrious career in the Nigerian Customs Service before working with NIPC, reiterated the importance of maintaining a harmonious, seamless working relationship between NEPZA and its sister agencies in Free Zones.
He commended LADOL in keeping a healthy relationship with NEPZA and all the government agencies in the zone.
Prof Adesoji Adesugba stated that Nigeria as a country was very serious and committed to industrialisation and ensuring that finished goods are not dumped in the country.
Managing Director of LADOL, Dr. Amy Jadesimi noted that Prof. Adesoji Adesugba was more than qualified to take NEPZA to the next level.
She expressed gratitude on behalf of the board, staff and Management for the visit.
