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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday said the proposed Idu Industrial Park, located in the Idu Industrial Area of the territory, will provide over 40,000 jobs when completed.
The minister spoke to journalists during the inspection of the ongoing work project at the site.
The contractors of the project, Zerberced Group, Wike said, he's optimist of maximum delivery.
He said, the project would be completed within the next eight to nine months while highlighting the economic values of the project for the FCT, and the country.
He said the industrial park will provide a veritable platform for marketing of several made-in-Nigeria goods, as well as the export of trade goods between Nigeria and other countries.
The minister said, “Talking about the industrial park itself, this is what we are talking about, growing the economy, and creating employment for the youths.
“So many companies will have the opportunity to come in here because now they have approved it as a Free Zone for them, and there will be regular electricity, which is what keeps manufacturers, keeps businessmen going.
“From what the MD said, it is going to create not less than 40,000 direct employments, and that is huge.
“What every government is interested in, is first of all, creating employment. If this place can create not less than 40,000 jobs, do you know what it means? It reduces the burden; it reduces the rate of unemployment.
“Two, it will grow the economy. Nigeria has the raw materials but has not been able to harness them and they are doing that, that is export. For me, it is not everything you talk about exports, what is important is creating jobs. Once jobs are created, and production is made, and it is a good quality product, people will buy, outsiders will also buy.”
The minister further said that he will ensure the prompt approval of funds for the completion of the project and a dual carriageway to give access to and from the park.
“There is no government that will not support this kind of investment. And having gone around, we can attest to the fact that this is really what we need to grow our economy.
“I have directed the Executive Secretary of FCDA to make sure that everything is put in place, particularly the approval coming out from the Federal Ministry of Finance so that the company can start the construction of the other lane so that everybody will benefit. You can imagine how the whole of Idu will be developed. Every government craves this, and we must give them the necessary support, ” he added.
Wike appreciated the Managing Director of Zerberced Group for the vision of the Industrial Park, describing it as a wonderland.
