OGFZA says Free Zones key to Nigeria’s energy exports, industrial growth

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Bamanga Usman Jada

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By Efe Onodjae

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The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has said Special Economic Zones are playing a strategic role in driving Nigeria’s blue economy by boosting industrialisation, maritime logistics, energy exports and sustainable economic growth.

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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.

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Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OGFZA, Bamanga Usman Jada, stated this at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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Represented by his Technical Adviser on Free Zones Development, Jackson Iniobong, Jada delivered a keynote address titled, “The Strategic Role of OGFZA in Supporting Nigeria’s Blue Economy and Energy Exports.”

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He described the blue economy as a framework for harnessing Nigeria’s oceans, rivers, ports and coastal resources to promote economic prosperity while ensuring environmental sustainability.

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According to him, OGFZA’s mandate of regulating and promoting investments in oil and gas free zones aligns with the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda, noting that most of the Authority’s free zones are strategically located along Nigeria’s coastal corridors.

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“Over the years, OGFZA has contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria’s blue economy through the establishment, regulation and promotion of Special Economic Zones strategically located around our maritime corridors,” he said.

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Jada explained that the free zones have become major drivers of industrialisation, international trade, marine logistics, offshore support services and export-oriented manufacturing, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s participation in the global maritime economy.

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He identified the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State as OGFZA’s flagship facility, noting that it hosts one of the country’s busiest seaports and serves as an operational hub for multinational companies in the maritime and oil and gas sectors.

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He also cited 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, while highlighting the Dangote Industries Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lekki, which hosts the 700,000-barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery—the largest refinery in Africa.

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According to him, these investments have transformed OGFZA-regulated free zones into energy economic zones that are enhancing national energy security, industrialisation and maritime logistics infrastructure.

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Jada further disclosed that the Authority regulates the Secured Bunkering Anchorage, an offshore facility supporting safe maritime operations and energy exports, adding that OGFZA’s free zones have attracted substantial local and foreign investments, created thousands of jobs and facilitated technology transfer.

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He said the Authority’s One-Stop-Shop model has strengthened collaboration with key maritime agencies by simplifying licensing processes, streamlining Customs procedures and improving the ease of doing business for investors.

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The OGFZA boss added that the regulatory framework has improved port efficiency, reduced operational bottlenecks and encouraged indigenous participation in fabrication, engineering, marine support services, vessel maintenance and logistics.

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Looking ahead, Jada said the Authority would continue to promote environmentally responsible industrial operations, cleaner technologies and efficient resource utilisation to ensure that Special Economic Zones remain models of sustainability, innovation and resilience.

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