IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

IIARD International Journal of Economics and Business Management (IJEBM )

E-ISSN 2489-0065
P-ISSN 2695-186X
VOL. 4 NO. 4 2018

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Export Processing Zones and Technology Transfer in Nigeria: A Critical Appraisal

Deinibiteim Monimah Harry, Ph.D

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Abstract

The paper examined the extent to which export processing zones have aided technology transfer in Nigeria. Nigeria adopted the EPZ strategy via Decree No 63 of 1992 with the setting up of the Calabar Free Trade Zone. The objectives of the strategy, among others, are to attract foreign direct investments and transfer technologies to local actors at the zones. Hence, the purpose of work is to ascertain the level of technology transfer through the zones in Nigeria. By 2008, there were 25 zones registered with NEPZA, the regulatory agency. Out of this number 11 are functional, 9 under construction and 5 merely declared. Four (4) zones were randomly selected out of the functional zones for the study, namely Calabar, Oil and Gas, Snake Island Integrated Free Trade Zone and Alscon Export Processing Zone. Two hundred and ninety copies of questionnaire were administered on 290 participants selected from 54 Free Zone Enterprises and 4 zonal management boards. Out of the 290 copies of questionnaire 242 copies were properly completed and returned. These 242 copies of questionnaire served as primary source of data, while textbooks, journals and other print materials formed the secondary sources of data. The study revealed that whereas EPZs have helped in the acquisition of utilitarian skills, they have not contributed to transfer of technologies to local actors at the zones. The reason for the failure of the zones to achieve technology transfer in Nigeria is the absence of institutions and R and D activities at the zones to make innovations in any line of production. Thus, the study recommends that there should be massive investments in the establishment of research institutions and R and D activities, and R and D activities must be made compulsory at the zones in Nigeria

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