Minister of Trade Industry and Investment
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have called for the need to enhance collaboration and well-defined policy frameworks to drive growth and efficiency in the sector.
Speaking at the third Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Special Economic Zones Association, Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, underscored the critical role SEZs play in Nigeria’s economic resurgence.
Oduwole called for policies that would enhance the global competitiveness of SEZs, citing Morocco’s Tanger Med Zones as a model of best practices.
She said: “Nigeria is positioning itself as a continental hub for digital trade, focusing on innovation, investment, and job creation,”
“Digital trade is a key component of Africa’s economic transformation, and our goal is to create an environment that fosters innovation, attracts investment, and generates high-paying jobs.”
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Bamanga Usman Jada, reiterated the significant impact of SEZs on Nigeria’s economic development.
He revealed that the Authority has attracted over $24.6 billion in direct investments and emphasized SEZs’ role in Nigeria’s energy transition.
Jada pointed to key projects, such as the CNG conversion center in Onne/Ikpokiri and the expansion of LPG infrastructure, as catalysts for job creation and skill development in the sector.
He said:“The President’s commitment to strengthening the Special Economic Zones framework has created an enabling environment for both foreign and domestic investors,”
“This facility is set to reduce logistics costs by up to 70 percent while promoting the transition to cleaner energy.”
He also announced ongoing efforts to expand LPG infrastructure, including a 70,000MT processing plant under construction in Onne and Liberty Free Zones.
“This project will ensure access to clean cooking gas for over 200,000 homes and contribute to environmental sustainability,” Jada noted.
With stakeholders pushing for a more robust regulatory framework, Nigeria’s SEZs are poised to become key drivers of industrialization, investment, and sustainable economic growth.
