OGFZA positions Free Zones as drivers of Blue Economy, energy exports

The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has said Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are emerging as critical drivers of the country’s Blue Economy, with investments in oil and gas free zones strengthening energy exports, maritime logistics, industrialisation and long-term economic growth.

The Authority said its regulated free zones have evolved beyond conventional investment destinations into strategic Energy Economic Zones that are enhancing national energy security, expanding export capacity and positioning Nigeria as a preferred investment destination in West Africa.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OGFZA, Bamanga Usman Jada, stated this while delivering the keynote address titled, “The Strategic Role of OGFZA in Supporting Nigeria’s Blue Economy and Energy Exports,” at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) held in Port Harcourt. The conference was themed, *”Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy.”*

Jada, who was represented by the Technical Adviser to the Managing Director 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 safeguarding the environment for future generations.

He said OGFZA’s statutory mandate of regulating and promoting investment in Nigeria’s 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 the country’s maritime corridors.

“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.”

According to him, the free zones have evolved into engines of industrialisation, international trade, marine logistics, offshore support services and export-oriented manufacturing, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s participation in the global maritime economy.

Jada identified the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State as OGFZA’s flagship zone, noting that it hosts one of Nigeria’s busiest seaports and serves as an operational base for numerous multinational companies involved in maritime and oil and gas operations.

He also highlighted the Bestaf Maritime Industrial Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lagos State, which hosts an indigenous lubricant blending facility with an annual production capacity of 240 million litres, with products exported through Nigeria’s waterways.

The OGFZA boss further cited the Dangote Industries Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lekki, home to the 700,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery, the largest refinery in Africa, as a major indigenous investment that has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s energy export profile.

“These developments have expanded the significance of OGFZA-regulated free zones into becoming Energy Economic Zones that are enhancing national energy security, industrialisation, and maritime logistics infrastructure and safety.”

Jada said the Authority also regulates the Secured Bunkering Anchorage, an offshore facility supporting safe maritime operations and energy exports, while its free zones have attracted substantial domestic and foreign investments, generated thousands of jobs and facilitated technology transfer.

He explained that OGFZA’s One-Stop-Shop model has improved collaboration with key maritime agencies by simplifying licensing processes, streamlining Customs procedures and enhancing the ease of doing business for investors.

The regulatory framework, Jada noted, has improved port efficiency, reduced operational bottlenecks and promoted indigenous capacity development in fabrication, engineering, marine support services, vessel maintenance and logistics, with facilities such as the West Atlantic Shipyard contributing significantly to local content development.

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

He reaffirmed OGFZA’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s vision of leveraging the country’s vast maritime assets to diversify the economy, attract quality investments, create employment opportunities and build a prosperous and sustainable future.