Free zone scheme and national development: the case of Calabar free trade zone, cross river state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on the activities of Free Trade Zones and the impact on the infrastructural development of host communities with reference to Calabar Free Trade Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design to measure the strength of the relationship between the activities of Free Trade Zones operators and infrastructural development of host communities within the study area. Data analysis for this study essentially involved the use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient was used to test the hypothesis given the coefficient “R” value. SPSS statistical tool was applied for analysis of the field data. Questionnaire and Key Informant Interview were the instruments for data collection. The sources of data collection were primary and secondary. In selecting the sample, the researcher purposively selected 97 households each from the four villages that make up Ikot-Ansa Clan which is the host community of the Free Trade Zone. The result of the study showed that, there is a strong relationship between Free Trade Zones operations and infrastructural development of host communities. The study suggests that communities around the Free Trade Zone should take ownership of projects initiated or facilitated by the Free Trade Zones for sustainability.