The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has said Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones are evolving into strategic economic hubs that support energy security, boost exports and drive economic diversification.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OGFZA, Bamanga Usman Jada, who was represented by Technical Adviser on Free Zones Development, Jackson Iniobong, said the Authority’s free zones now play a central role in industrial production, maritime logistics, offshore support services and export-oriented manufacturing.
He noted that facilities such as the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State, the Bestaf Maritime Industrial Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lagos, and the Dangote Industries Oil and Gas Free Zone in Lekki have strengthened Nigeria’s refining capacity, expanded energy export potential and enhanced the country’s position in the global maritime economy.
He said OGFZA-regulated zones have attracted substantial local and foreign investments, created thousands of jobs and promoted technology transfer. At the same time, reforms under the Authority’s One-Stop-Shop initiative have simplified licensing processes, improved Customs clearance and enhanced port efficiency.
According to him, the free zones have moved beyond serving as investment destinations and are increasingly functioning as Energy Economic Zones that support industrialisation and maritime infrastructure development.
Jada reaffirmed OGFZA’s commitment to promoting cleaner technologies, sustainable industrial operations and stronger collaboration among government agencies, investors and industry operators to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
