The Federal Government has announced the designation of four international airports, as Special Economic Zones.
The Minister of Aviation, Capt. Hadi Sirika, made this disclosure in a statement issued by Mr James Odaudu, the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The minister said that the four airports comprised the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Port-Harcourt international Airport, and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
According to him, the announcement followed the approval granted by President Muhammadu Buhari to that effect.
He said that there were many inherent benefits of the designation and operation of the airports as special economic zones.
“The Ministry of Aviation in its desire to address issues concerning taxation, custom duties and fiscal issues in the Nigerian Aviation industry which required a holistic solution, had requested the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) to designate the four major international Airports under NEPZA Act.
He further said that the designation was also expected to attract more international and domestic airlines and world class organisations into the Nigerian Aviation Industry to fast track the upgrade and development of new infrastructure/facilities at the airports.
Sirika noted that the special economic zones would also help to reduce the tax burden on Aviation companies to enable them compete internationally.
He said that the move would also create around the airports a more efficient and business-friendly trade environment comparable to other countries, with less bureaucratic red tape because of the associated fiscal incentives and packages.
According to him, the operation of the airports as special economic zones would also help to generate employment opportunities and human capital development.
SOURCE: NAN
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