OGFZA Positions Special Economic Zones as Drivers of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, Energy Exports
The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has underscored the strategic importance of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in driving Nigeria’s blue economy through industrialisation, maritime logistics, energy exports and sustainable economic growth.
The Authority said its oil and gas free zones have evolved beyond investment destinations into strategic Energy Economic Zones that are strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, expanding export capacity and positioning the country as a preferred investment hub in West Africa.
This was disclosed at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), held on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the theme: “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy.”
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of OGFZA, Usman Bamanga Jada, the Technical Adviser to the MD on Free Zones Development, Jackson Iniobong, described the blue economy as a framework for harnessing Nigeria’s oceans, rivers, ports and coastal resources to drive economic prosperity while preserving the environment for future generations.
He said OGFZA’s mandate to regulate and promote investment in oil and gas free zones aligns with the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda, noting that the Authority’s zones are strategically located along Nigeria’s maritime corridors.
According to him, OGFZA-regulated free zones have become engines of industrialisation, international trade, marine logistics, offshore support services and export-oriented manufacturing, strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global maritime economy.
Jada identified the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State as the Authority’s flagship zone, hosting one of Nigeria’s busiest seaports and serving as an operational hub for multinational oil and gas companies.
He also highlighted the Bestaf Maritime Industrial Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lagos, home to an indigenous lubricant blending plant with an annual production capacity of 240 million litres, much of which is exported through Nigeria’s waterways.
He further cited the Dangote Industries Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lekki, which houses the 700,000-barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery—the largest in Africa—as a major contributor to Nigeria’s growing energy export capacity.
“These developments have expanded the significance of OGFZA-regulated free zones into becoming Energy Economic Zones that are enhancing national energy security, industrialisation, maritime logistics infrastructure and safety,” he said.
Jada added that OGFZA also regulates the Secured Bunkering Anchorage, an offshore facility supporting safe maritime operations and energy exports, while its One-Stop-Shop model has simplified licensing, streamlined Customs procedures and improved the ease of doing business for investors.
He noted that the Authority’s regulatory framework has enhanced port efficiency, reduced operational bottlenecks and encouraged indigenous participation in fabrication, engineering, marine support services, vessel maintenance and logistics, with facilities such as West Atlantic Shipyard boosting local content development.
Looking ahead, Jada reaffirmed OGFZA’s commitment to promoting environmentally responsible industrial operations, cleaner technologies and efficient resource utilisation to ensure that Special Economic Zones remain models of sustainability, innovation and resilience.
He stressed that the Authority would continue to support the Federal Government’s vision of leveraging Nigeria’s maritime assets to diversify the economy, attract quality investments, create jobs and accelerate sustainable national development.
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