Imo State government and officials of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have laid the foundation of the building of African Quality Assurance Centre located on Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Road, Ngor Okpala, Imo State.

The groundbreaking ceremony weekend, was performed by officials of Imo State Government and those of the Afreximbank led by their Manager Export Development, Mr. Amr Ali.

Speaking during the brief, but critical ceremony, Governor Hope Uzodimma who was represented by his Commissioner for Industries, Mines and Solid Minerals, Hon. Earnest Ibejiako, described the facility as ?a unique and important institution that will not only encourage the production of goods by industries, but will also remove trade barriers in the global market, as it affects Nigeria and Africa in general.?

He said the Centre will test products for export from the region in particular and country in general, ensuring they certify international standard requirements, adding that ?it will encourage capacity building of industries in Nigeria, as it is only the second of the Centre in the country.?

The Commissioner added: ?With the presence of the Centre in the State, industrialists who wish to produce for the international market will be trooping to establish their industry in the State, since it will be easy for them to test their products and be able to export and import.?

He applauded Governor Uzodimma?s efforts in attracting the Centre to the South East and Imo State in particular, adding that, ?it is in line with the Governor?s passion to make the region an industrial hub of Nigeria and West Africa at large.?

Ibejiako however advised indigenes of the host community to ?support the project, cooperate with the construction company and ensure there is no security threat to both workers and their materials.?

Earlier in his remarks, the Manager, Export Development of Afreximbank, Mr. Amr Ali

Said, in line with its mandate, Afreximbank has introduced African Quality Assurance Centre initiative, to address non-tariff barriers to African trade.

He said the Centre will ?offer testing, inspection and certification services for made in Africa products.?

Ali also noted that the Centre will ensure that African goods meet best international standards, enabling them to compete effectively in the global market.

He added: "The facility In Imo State is a significant step towards vision, as it will offer critical quality assessment services.?

Ali maintained that the Centre?s services will address the pressing need for quality assurance assessment in the Oil and Gas Sector.

?A study revealed that Imo State is strategically positioned for the project, because of the increase of Oil and Gas activities and proximity to resource regions,? Ali explained.

The Afreximbank representative further said that the Centre located in Imo State will bridge the gap of sending oil and gas and other products for export from Nigeria abroad for quality assurance tests.

He therefore solicited the support of the government and people of Imo State to bring the project to fruition, observing that ?the current administration?s commitment to fostering development and innovation is commendable.?

The event was witnessed by the Governor?s Chief Political Adviser/ Head of Political Adviser, Barr. Enyinaya Onuegbu, the Chief Technical Advisor to the Governor, Dr. Bola Adigun, the General Manager, Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Mr. Nzewodo Nkemakolam, the General Manager Imo State Orientation Agency (IMSOA), Dr. Ethelbert Okere, among others.

?PHOTO: Commissioner for Industries, Mines and Solid Minerals, Hon. Ernest Ibejiako (representing Governor Hope Uzodimma), flanked by Afreximbank and government officials during the ground breaking ceremony of African Assurance Quality Centre at Ngor Okpala, Owerri Imo State? weekend.

Update news