Special Economic Zones Are Gateways to National Prosperity, Key to Sustainable Blue Economy – Maiwada
The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, has described Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as gateways to national prosperity, saying they are central to unlocking Nigeria’s sustainable blue economy through increased investment, industrialisation, trade facilitation and employment generation.
He stated this at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) held at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt on Thursday, with the theme, “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to a Sustainable Blue Economy.
According to him, well-managed Special Economic Zones have the capacity to attract investment, boost exports, stimulate manufacturing and transform local economies.
“For the Nigeria Customs Service, these zones are more than designated trading areas—they are gateways to national prosperity.
Special Economic Zones have become powerful engines of industrial growth across the world”, he said.
Maiwada, who was represented at the conference by Chief Superintendent of Customs, Emmanuel Tangwa, stated that Nigeria is well-positioned to harness such opportunities through its seaports, inland waterways, export processing zones and free trade zones.
“The blue economy is not merely about our oceans, rivers and ports; it is about creating opportunities, generating employment, facilitating legitimate trade, protecting our marine environment, and ensuring that future generations benefit from the immense wealth of our coastal and maritime resources,” he said.
Maiwada pointed out that countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated how well-managed economic zones can drive investment, manufacturing and export growth, noting that Nigeria possesses similar potential to accelerate economic development through its maritime assets.
Speaking further, the Customs spokesman stated: “Our role is to facilitate legitimate trade through efficient customs procedures while safeguarding our borders against smuggling, illicit trade and other transnational crimes.
“By embracing technology, enhancing stakeholder collaboration and implementing trade facilitation reforms, the Service continues to create an environment where businesses can thrive with confidence”.
Maiwada stressed that a sustainable blue economy cannot be achieved without strong partnerships among government agencies, port operators, investors, host communities and the private sector to ensure economic development goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.
He expressed confidence that the ideas and recommendations generated at the conference will contribute in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime economy, enhance regional competitiveness and advance sustainable national development.
