Naomi Uzor

Following the investment under privatization and commercialization of government owned companies, the Imo state government said it is ready to privatize and commercialize its ceramic tile and Agro-based industries.

The state has also secured a license from Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) to operate a free trade zone and is concluding arrangements with a development partner to start construction work at the site which is occupying about 2000 hectares.

Speaking on the occasion of Imo special day at the just concluded Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), the Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, said his intention is to transform the state as the heartland for viable and sustainable investment in Nigeria, thereby, privatizing and commercializing some of the state’s owned companies such as ceramic tile and Agro-based industries among others.

“I have a great vision for creation of investments in Imo state. My good intention is to transform the state as the heartland for viable and sustainable investment in Nigeria and make it a leading provider of value added support services, human and material inputs to businesses across Africa, thus spurring sustainable economic growth through employment and wealth creation in Imo state” he said.

According to him, the genesis of promoting business confidence stems from the marriage of both the public and private sectors to raise workable regulations purposely designed to eradicate poverty, raise education standard, improve infrastructure and achieve a sustainable economic growth pattern.

“The private sector players should therefore rise up to the challenge to a private sector led economy where goods and services would be produced competitively to meet global recognition,” he said.