In an Important initiative aimed at enhancing the economy and generating jobs, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed both surprise and delight during his inaugural visit to the Idu Industrial Park.
Wike emphasized the park’s transformative potential for the region, which is poised to generate thousands of employment opportunities and draw in numerous businesses, largely due to its status as a free trade zone equipped with a reliable power supply.
During his inspection in Abuja, Wike shared his excitement about the park, stating, “This is astonishing. It’s my first time at the Abuja Industrial Park,” clearly impressed by the project’s vast scale and future prospects.
He commended the ongoing infrastructural developments, particularly the building of a dual carriageway that will improve accessibility to the park. “Salini has commenced work on a single carriageway, and to enhance government efforts, the company has committed to constructing the additional lane, creating a dual carriageway, supported by tax incentives,” he elaborated.
Wike underscored the park’s economic significance, projecting the creation of at least 40,000 direct jobs. “This is monumental. No government would hesitate to back such an investment,” he remarked, affirming the administration’s dedication to expediting necessary approvals from the Federal Ministry of Finance to facilitate prompt project completion.
He also highlighted the crucial role of consistent power supply in fostering industrial operations, which is a major attraction for businesses in the park. “Many enterprises falter due to unstable power and soaring diesel prices. However, with dependable electricity here, businesses can flourish,” Wike explained.
Assessing the park’s impact, Wike characterized it as a transformative force for Abuja’s economy. “This is precisely what any government aspires to achieve, and we must provide unwavering support. In three to four years, this area will be unrecognizable,” he forecasted.
Wike further emphasized the necessity of collaboration between the government and private investors, noting that while the government lays down the infrastructure, the private sector is vital for driving economic development through production and job creation. “We allocated this land 12 years ago, and now we are putting in place the infrastructure essential for the growth of this industrial park,” he remarked.
The minister’s visit highlighted the government’s commitment not only to job creation but also to ensuring that locally produced goods meet global quality standards. “It’s not merely about exporting; it’s about generating employment and creating high-quality products that appeal to consumers both locally and internationally,” Wike concluded.
