The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has highlighted the strategic role of Special Economic Zones in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy through industrialisation, maritime logistics, energy exports and sustainable economic growth.
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.
The position was made known at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) with the theme, “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy,” held on Thursday at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of OGFZA, Bamanga Usman Jada, who was represented by the Technical Adviser to the MD on Free Zones Development, Jackson Iniobong, delivered the keynote address on “The Strategic Role of OGFZA 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 stimulate economic prosperity while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
He noted that OGFZA’s statutory mandate to regulate and promote investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda, stressing that most of the Authority’s free zones are strategically located along the country’s coastal 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 become engines of industrialisation, international trade, marine logistics, offshore support services and export-oriented manufacturing, thereby deepening Nigeria’s participation in the global maritime economy.
He cited the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State as the Authority’s flagship zone, noting that it hosts one of Nigeria’s busiest seaports and serves as an operational base for numerous multinational companies engaged in maritime and oil and gas activities.
Jada also highlighted the Bestaf Maritime Industrial Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lagos State, describing 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 emergence of indigenous investment through 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, and has significantly boosted 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.”
He 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, generated thousands of jobs and facilitated technology transfer.
Jada said OGFZA’s One-Stop-Shop model has strengthened collaboration with relevant maritime agencies by simplifying licensing processes, streamlining Customs procedures and improving ease of doing business for investors.
According to him, the regulatory framework has enhanced port efficiency, reduced operational bottlenecks and encouraged the growth of indigenous capacity in fabrication, engineering, marine support services, vessel maintenance and logistics, with facilities such as West Atlantic Shipyard contributing to increased local content.
Looking ahead, the OGFZA Managing Director said the Authority 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 vision of leveraging Nigeria’s vast maritime assets to diversify the economy, attract quality investments, create employment opportunities and build a prosperous and sustainable future for the country.