Nigeria’s rising profile in the global Special Economic Zones ecosystem has received another major boost as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has been re-elected to the Board of the World Free Zones Organisation, WFZO, in Panama.
Dr. Ogunyemi secured an overwhelming victory after polling about 85 percent of votes cast by delegates from Africa, Europe, and Latin America. The outcome reinforces Nigeria’s growing influence in the global free trade and investment community.
The NEPZA boss had earlier won election into the board during the organisation’s congress in Dubai in 2024.
Chairman of the WFZO, Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, described the re-election as well deserved, applauding Dr. Ogunyemi’s commitment, energy, and leadership throughout his first tenure on the board.
DR. OLUFEMI OGUNYEMI, MD/CEO, NIGERIA EXPORT PROCESSING ZONES AUTHORITY, NEPZA (5TH LEFT) RE-ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE WORLD FREE ZONES ORGANIZATION AT ITS ANNUAL CONGRESS IN PANAMA.
Management of NEPZA also hailed the development, describing Dr. Ogunyemi as a visionary and result-oriented administrator whose reforms and leadership have continued to attract international recognition for Nigeria.
Reacting to the victory, Dr. Ogunyemi expressed appreciation to member countries and voting blocs for the confidence reposed in him. He said the achievement reflects Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reposition its Free Trade Zones as competitive destinations for investment, industrialisation, and economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
He added that Nigeria and other African nations would continue to leverage the WFZO platform to attract more Foreign Direct Investment to the continent.
The World Free Zones Organisation is the global umbrella body for countries operating Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones, promoting investment partnerships and economic cooperation worldwide.
The 2026 congress in Panama also marked a historic moment for the organisation with the attendance of the Presidents of Panama and the Dominican Republic.
