The Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Bamanga Usman Jada has advocated for the adoption and implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to monitor all cargo entering OGFZA Free Zones from arrival to final destination.
Speaking at the third Annual General Meeting of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Mr. Jada, said that implementing ERP will regulate unauthorized entry into the Customs territory without proper taxes and duties.
Jada also said that the system has enhanced regulatory compliance and supports the government’s economic reforms, thereby attracting and sustaining significant investments into Nigeria’s various Special Economic Zones by both foreign and domestic investors.
He commended the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, for her relentless efforts in ensuring that Nigeria’s investment climate remains competitive adding hat government institutions at both national and sub-national levels provide and guarantee a conducive operating environment for private-sector businesses to thrive.
Recall the concept of oil and gas SEZs was designed to drive efficiency through specialization, accelerating investments in the sector, creating wealth, facilitating skills and technology transfer, and providing employment opportunities to host communities.
He stated: “Since the first oil and gas free zone was established in 1996 at Onne/Ikpokiri, Rivers State, the scheme has contributed over $24.6 billion in direct investments into the economy. Nigeria has become self-sufficient in specialized and highly sophisticated technologies like mud engineering, specialized welding and fabrication, ocean-going vessels shipbuilding, pipe coating, valve and Christmas tree assembling, among others.”
“Meanwhile, the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority ensured that up to 31,404 Nigerians were trained in high-tech petroleum industry skills, some under the ITF programme. This collaborative effort between government agencies fast-tracked capacity building and empowerment of Nigerian employees in OGFZA companies in areas previously considered exclusive to foreign expatriates. Today, key reputable multinational oil and gas companies operating in our zones no longer depend on foreigners for high-responsibility roles. Nigerians now serve as Chief Executive Officers of Baker Hughes, TechnipFMC, Tenaris, Pipe Coaters, etc.”
“The list of benefits from the Special Economic Zones scheme is endless. I also commend the Nigeria Economic Zones Association for their consistency since their inaugural AGM in December 2022, staying focused on acting as a voice for the entire ecosystem. They have wholeheartedly engaged with this administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ensuring alignment with the President’s reform agenda and that the SEZ scheme is not overlooked.”
“Also recall the World Bank projected economic growth from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.6% in 2025, highlighting investment opportunities in Special Economic Zones. In response to the President’s priority projects and initiatives, OGFZA partnered with an investor to establish a CNG conversion center in the Onne/Ikpokiri, reducing logistics costs by up to 70% while promoting cleaner fuel alternatives. OGFZA is also facilitating the establishment of LPG processing plants in both Onne and Liberty Free Zones with a total storage capacity of 70,000MT. These projects will enhance access to clean cooking gas for over 200,000 homes, ensuring environmental sustainability.”
“Lastly, I invite NEPZA to support OGFZA’s campaign to educate the public on our Enterprise Resource Planning software, launched in 2017. The ERP tracks all cargo entering OGFZA Free Zones from arrival to final destination, ensuring compliance with Customs and OGFZA regulations while preventing unauthorized entry into the Customs territory without proper taxes and duties. This system has enhanced regulatory compliance and supports the government’s economic reforms.”
