In a move to stimulate economic rejuvenation and employment opportunities, the Cross River State Government (CRSG) has opened bidding for the privatisation of four state-owned industrial assets that have been moribund for years now.
According to a statement by Governor Bassey Otu’s spokesperson, Nsa Gill, on Sunday, these assets include the Boki and Nsadop Oil Palm Estates; Fish Hatchery in Ugboro in Bekwarra Local Government Area, Durafoam Industries in Ikom Local Government Area, and Ibonda Fish Hatchery in Odukpani Local Government Area.
All the aforementioned assets are solely owned by the State Government without any liabilities, the State Privatisation Council has disclosed.
The technical bidding session was conducted at the Cross River Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) office, where investors expressed satisfaction with the bidding procedures.
READ ALSO: 32,341 applied for Cross River Civil Service employment
During the event, Chief Bassey Okon, Chairman of the Cross River State Privatisation Council, underscored the council’s dedication to meticulous evaluation of bids received.
“We will carefully assess your technical expertise and capability to efficiently manage the companies to achieve the objectives of this privatisation initiative,” he stated.
The Privatisation Council Chairman informed that after the bid evaluation, successful bidders will be invited to inspect the companies they are interested in and subsequently submit their financial proposals.
Okon reassured participants that the process is designed to be transparent and adhere to due process, essential for upholding trust in the privatisation exercise.
Highlighting the government’s broader vision, Okon emphasised that the state is committed to creating a conducive environment for investors.
“The privatisation aims to enhance operational efficiency, create employment opportunities, and boost the state’s revenue base.
“We are confident that the communities hosting these assets will benefit significantly in terms of employment and infrastructure development once the privatisation is completed,” he remarked.
He commended the state governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, for approving the privatisation the moribund industries and noted that previous administrations had attempted but failed to privatise these assets.
Mr Sunday Ekeke, Chief Executive Officer of Sunfil Goldenroll Nigeria Ltd, a bidding company, commended the council for its transparency throughout the technical bidding process. He expressed confidence in the council’s commitment to transparency throughout the bidding process.
As the open competitive bidding process progresses, the Cross River State Government remains committed to ensuring that the privatisation of these dormant assets leads to sustainable economic growth and enhances the quality of life for its residents.