At least 15 companies have indicated interest to invest in the Maigatari Export Processing Zone (EPZ), in Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa.

Malam Zubairu Sulaiman, the spokesperson, Jigawa Ministry of Commerce, disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday in Dutse.

The statement said the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Aminu Sidi, gave the indication at the inauguration of local technical committee of Jigawa-Kano-Daura-Zinder Trade Corridor (KA.JI.DA.Z.) in Maigatari.

He explained that already, three companies have been mobilised to the zone, while the others would arrive later.

Sulaiman added that the gesture would boost business activities in the state and the country at large.

According to him, the Jigawa government has paid the appropriate fees to the Nigerian Export Promotion Zone (NEPZA) amounting $120,000 for smooth running of business at the EPZ market.

Sulaiman further told NAN that400 youths would be employed in the export processing zone.

NAN recalls that the Kano-Jigawa-Daura-Zinder (KA.JI.DA.Z.)Trade Corridor was launched on Sept. 29, 2016 by Nigeria/Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation (NNJC) in Dutse.

Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa, has during the official launching promised investors that opportunities are open to them to invest in the KA.JI.DA.Z. Trade Corridor.

“Our administration will mobilise resources and ask Federal Government to extend railway line to Maigatari to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce across the border of the two countries.

“Jigawa state is ready to take the advantages of the trade zone through the Maigatari border.

“This will also support the Federal Government’s agenda of economic diversification and wealth creation,” Badaru said.

Similarly, Gov. Umar Ganduje of Kano State, has expressed optimism over the existence of cross border trade between Kano-Daura and Zinder Trade corridor, pointing out it would promote the cultural heritage of the two countries.

“We hope that the programme will address the identified gaps and constraints, especially those relating to free movement of goods and services, road-related harassment and inaccessibility to banking services, among others,” Ganduje said.

•Governor Muhammad Badaru.

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