FCTA reviews industrial plot charges
FCT administration
says it will review charges on industrial plots within the territory next month.
FCT Minister,Malam Nasir el- Rufai stated this in Abuja while receiving a consortium on industrial parks development in the territory.
He said that developing industrial plots was necessary to enable Small and Medium Enterprises(SME's) to thrive in the territory.
``With that in mind, we directed the Abuja Investments and Property Development Company (AIPDC) to design prototype companies.
``Having done that we felt reviewing the industrial land charges to zero per cent was necessary, '' he said.
``We have to do that just like we did on agricultural land charges, because we need more hotels and recreational facilities in the territory,'' he said.
The consortium included Bank of Industry (BOI), Intercontinental and Oceanic banks as well as the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
The consortium signed a memorandum of understanding with the FCDA for building industrial parks aimed at boosting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the territory.
Speaking at the ceremony, BOI's Managing Director Evelyn Oputu said that her bank was participating in the venture to enhance the delivery of goods and services.
She said that the decision was sequel to the bank's realisation that human capital was a major impediment to the success of SME's .
``Human capital is about 40 per cent of the requirement. That was why we decided to support SME's development beginning from last year.
``That support entails coming to partner with the state governments and the FCT administration.
``The partnership which is to be built along the Public Private Partnership (PPP) lines means the banks are to provide the fund.
``While the banks provide the fund, the state governments and in this case the FCDA will each provide land and infrastructure,'' she said.
According to her, PPP aims at the creation of a middle class and making prices of goods and services reasonable.