The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has said that Special Economic Zones are playing a strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy by driving industrialisation, maritime logistics, energy exports and sustainable economic growth.
The Authority stated that 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.
OGFZA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bamanga Usman Jada, made the disclosure at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Jada, who was represented by his Technical Adviser on Free Zones Development, Jackson Iniobong, delivered the keynote address titled “The Strategic Role of OGFZA in Supporting Nigeria’s Blue Economy and Energy Exports.”
He described the blue economy as a framework for harnessing the country’s oceans, rivers, ports and coastal resources to promote economic prosperity while protecting the environment for future generations.
Jada said OGFZA’s mandate to regulate and promote investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones aligns with the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda, noting that many of the Authority’s free zones are strategically located along the nation’s coastal corridors.
According to him, the 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.
He identified the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State as OGFZA’s flagship zone, saying it hosts one of Nigeria’s busiest seaports and serves as an operational base for several multinational companies involved in maritime and oil and gas activities.
Jada also highlighted the Bestaf Maritime Industrial Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lagos State, which he said operates an indigenous lubricant blending facility with an annual production capacity of 240 million litres, with products exported through Nigeria’s waterways.
He further pointed to the Dangote Industries Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lekki, which hosts the 700,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery, describing it as a major contributor to Nigeria’s energy export capacity and industrial development.
“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,” he said.
Jada added that OGFZA also regulates the Secured Bunkering Anchorage, an offshore facility that supports safe maritime operations and energy exports, while its free zones have attracted significant local and foreign investments, created jobs and facilitated technology transfer.
He said the Authority’s One-Stop-Shop model has improved collaboration with maritime agencies by simplifying licensing processes, streamlining Customs procedures and enhancing the ease of doing business for investors.
According to him, the regulatory framework has improved port efficiency, reduced operational bottlenecks and encouraged indigenous participation in fabrication, engineering, marine support services, vessel maintenance and logistics.
Jada said OGFZA would continue to promote environmentally responsible industrial operations, cleaner technologies and efficient resource utilisation to ensure that Special Economic Zones become models of sustainability, innovation and resilience.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to leverage Nigeria’s maritime assets to diversify the economy, attract investment, create employment and promote sustainable economic development.
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