SIIFZ revamps training programme, creates 6,000, jobs

The development and expansion at Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ) has generated not less than 6,000 direct jobs, Chairman, Anwar Jarmakani has said.

According to Jarmakani, the direct jobs also support over 100,000 families through indirect job opportunities.

Speaking during the visit of Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) to the facility, Jarmakani said the SIIFZ has trained over 6000 people for the industry and delivered over 27,000 training programmes.

He told the Customs boss that the facility has also delivered “Many landmark national projects for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry operators such as Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Total, Hyundai and Samsung”.

He also used the opportunity to inform the Customs boss that Nigeria was losing between $3 and $5 on every barrel of oil produced, which according to him translates to $1.5 billion yearly to non-existent laws, which purportedly encouraged monopoly in oil and gas logistics in the country

Jarmakani explained that monopoly had destroyed Nigeria’s reputation in oil and gas logistics.

According to him, dominant monopoly in Nigeria’s oil and gas, as well as supply services had existed for over 20 years “sabotaging the national economy, conspiring and working against any potential competitors, particularly against Snake Island Integrated Free Zone”.

He told the Customs boss that the alleged monopoly had consistently and aggressively used different government institutions to entrench its monopoly position.

He said: “Regrettably, attempts have been made in the past to also use the Nigeria Customs Service. We, therefore, appreciate the fact that the present administration is aggressively doing away with such impunity.”

Jarmakani added: “The monopoly has consistently used this non-existent law to coerce the industry and service providers into doing their bidding and thereby undermining the Nigerian economy. If this law indeed exists, the federal government of Nigeria would not have encouraged other critical players like Snake Island Integrated Free Zone to make a huge investment in this industry.”

Responding, Ali announced plans by Nigeria Customs Service to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ali said the step was inline with the Federal Government’s resolve to promote fairness and transparency in the sector.