The Managing Director/CEO of the Delta Special Economic Zone, Pst. Godwin Akpovie, PhD, has said Kwale and Koko Free Trade Zones are positioned as prime investment destinations ahead of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.
Pst. Akpovie stated that both zones operate under a unified, investor-friendly framework which provides duty-free importation of machinery and raw materials, exemption from corporate taxes, 100 percent capital and profit repatriation, streamlined regulations, and improved security.
He noted that global investors are currently seeking jurisdictions that guarantee cost savings and high returns, Kwale and Koko FTZs offer such an enabling environment.
Speaking on Kwale FTZ, Pst. Akpovie identified energy as its core strength. He emphasized that Nigeria has 215 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, with about 80 trillion cubic feet located in Delta State, and an estimated 50 trillion cubic feet within the Kwale Free Trade Zone.
He said the Zone has direct access to the OB3 gas pipeline, which guarantees affordable and reliable energy for fertilizer plants, petrochemicals, cement factories, ceramics and other energy-intensive industries at costs lower than in most zones.
For Koko FTZ, he highlighted location and trade connectivity as its main advantage. The Zone is situated minutes from Koko Port with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, providing seamless access to international shipping lanes.
He added that the proximity to the port reduces logistics costs and transit time, making Koko FTZ ideal for manufacturing, agro-processing, warehousing, and logistics companies.
Pst. Akpovie said the goal of DSEZ is to deliver a complete package where Kwale provides cheap and reliable energy, Koko provides direct ocean access, and both provide policy support and access to regional and global markets.
He added that the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit will provide a platform for local and international investors to explore opportunities in manufacturing, processing, and export within the two zones.
He expressed optimism that when fully developed, Kwale and Koko FTZs will create jobs, drive industrialization, and position Delta State as a leading investment destination in Nigeria and across West Africa.
