OGFZA Highlights Strategic Role of Free Zones in Driving Blue Economy, Energy Exports.
OGFZA Highlights Strategic Role of Free Zones in Driving Blue Economy, Energy Exports.
Lucky Akra
The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has reaffirmed the strategic importance of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy, saying the country’s oil and gas free zones have evolved into critical hubs for industrialisation, maritime logistics, energy exports and sustainable economic growth.
The Authority said its regulated free zones are no longer merely investment destinations but have become 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 made the position known during the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), held on Thursday at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The conference was themed, “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy.”
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of OGFZA, Bamanga Usman Jada, the Technical Adviser on Free Zones Development, Jackson Iniobong, underscored the Authority’s role in supporting Nigeria’s blue economy and energy exports.
Jada described the blue economy as a framework for harnessing the nation’s oceans, rivers, ports and coastal resources to drive economic prosperity while ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations.
He said OGFZA’s mandate to regulate and promote investments 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,” he said.
According to him, the free zones have become engines of industrialisation, international trade, marine logistics, offshore support services and export-oriented manufacturing, 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 several 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 houses 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 pointed to the Dangote Industries Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lekki, home to the 700,000-barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery, describing it as a major milestone that has significantly enhanced 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, maritime logistics infrastructure and safety,” he said.
Jada added that 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 local and foreign investments, created thousands of jobs and facilitated technology transfer.
He said OGFZA’s One-Stop-Shop model has strengthened collaboration with key maritime agencies by simplifying licensing procedures, streamlining Customs processes and improving 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, with facilities such as West Atlantic Shipyard contributing to increased local content.
Looking ahead, Jada said OGFZA would continue to promote environmentally responsible industrial operations, cleaner technologies and efficient resource utilisation to ensure Special Economic Zones remain models of sustainability, innovation and resilience.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s vision of leveraging Nigeria’s maritime assets to diversify the economy, attract quality investments, create employment opportunities and build a more prosperous and sustainable future.
