NEPZA Boss Retains Seat on Global Free Zones Board in Panama

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has been re-elected to the board of the World Free Zones Organization during the organisation’s 11th Annual Congress held in Panama City.

The re-election, according to a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications of NEPZA, Martins Odeh, was viewed as another sign of growing international recognition for Nigeria’s management of the Special Economic Zones scheme.

Dr. Ogunyemi secured about 85 per cent of the votes cast, following what the statement described as strong bloc support from delegates across Africa, Europe and Latin America.

The NEPZA boss had similarly enjoyed broad continental backing during his first election to the board in Dubai in 2024.

Chairman of the WFZO, Mohammed Alzarooni, said Ogunyemi’s return to the board reflected the confidence members had in his leadership and contributions during his first tenure.

“I simply wish to congratulate Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi of Nigeria and all other members of the WFZO board of directors on their delightful new tenure and continued exemplary service to the world,” Alzarooni said.

NEPZA management also described the re-election as well deserved, citing Ogunyemi’s leadership style and understanding of the free zones scheme.

Speaking on behalf of the authority’s management and staff, Director of Corporate Services, Haleema Sani Kamba, said the recognition did not come as a surprise.

“We are not surprised that the impact of his excellent service and leadership has been acknowledged and rewarded on a global stage again,” she stated.

Reacting to his victory, Ogunyemi attributed the outcome to reforms and renewed efforts aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s free trade zones to support economic growth and attract investment.

He said the country’s free zones had become increasingly competitive and aligned with the economic objectives of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I wish to thank my colleagues on the board and all the well-meaning colleagues in WFZO who returned me with their votes. I shall continue to do my best to serve the organisation,” he said.

The NEPZA boss added that the platform offered significant opportunities for Nigeria and other African countries to attract foreign direct investment.

“I have always said that the World Free Zone Organization remains the melting point for Foreign Direct Investment opportunities and therefore, Nigeria and other African countries shall seize this opportunity of my being on the board to attract more FDIs to the continent,” Ogunyemi added.

The World Free Zones Organization serves as the umbrella body for countries operating Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones across the world, with a focus on promoting economic cooperation, investment flows and partnerships.

According to the statement, this year’s congress was historic as it marked the first time two sitting presidents; those of Panama and the Dominican Republic attended the annual gathering.