AFRICAN QUALITY ASSURANCE CENTER IN NGOR OKPALA: PUTTING IMO STATE ON GLOBAL MAP

The establishment of the second African Quality Assurance Center in Nigeria was recently flagged off in Ngor Okpala, Imo State.

The center,  an initiative of the Africa Import- Export (Afrexim bank) headquartered in Egypt has been flagged off in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, with the purpose of certifying intended export from the South East geopolitical zone and other parts of Nigeria, to ensure they comply with international standards and mitigate the challenge of rejecting such goods at the eleventh hour at the international market for failing certification texts, a situation which has caused untold hardship and heartbreak to the exporters, in the recent past.

For emphasis, this center, when realized, will be only the second in Nigeria, as a whole, and as well, will be among the very few across Africa.

Residents of the South East, Imo State and especially, the people of Ngor Okpala are overjoyed that the zone, State and LGA were considered to host this internationally acclaimed project, thereby bringing the area to international limelight.

It is instructive to note that the flag off of the construction/unveiling of the center, attracted foreign investors who are Afrexim bank partners, such as representatives of Hassan Allan, Elsewedy Electrical and Bureau Veritas, as well as Afrexim Bank local partners in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc.

The optimism is that the center will make Ngor Okpala, Imo State and the South East zone in general, the hub of export and import business in Nigeria.

 In his address during the flag off ceremony, Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma noted that by establishing the center, Afrexim bank has  provided a  homegrown solution to challenges of trade and economic development  in Africa.

He recalled that most times, products for export from Africa, when subjected to inspection outside African countries, the result usually came out negative, causing untold hardship to African traders. The governor said the facilities of the Afrexim bank quality assurance center were world class, and expressed optimism that any certification derived from there will not be subjected to another examination, before transaction could be consummated.

“Indeed, my people are very happy. For Imo State to be number two in the series of beneficiaries to host this facility, my joy knows no bounds. My administration in Imo State, with its mantra of prosperity for all, is anchored along the stimulation of the economy and activation of business opportunities to boost trade, create jobs and engage our people to have a more meaningful life” , the governor said.

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