The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, is calling on the European Union to integrate Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones into European value chains to drive industrialisation, economic growth and shared prosperity.
The Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, made the call at a trade and investment facilitation meeting held at the European House in Abuja.
He said Nigeria’s Free Zones, operating under NEPZA’s strategic framework, offer a strong platform for deepening EU–Nigeria economic cooperation, especially at a time of global economic realignment.
Dr. Ogunyemi explained that increased European investment along Nigeria’s Special Economic Zone corridors would reduce over-dependence on external markets, protect critical supply chains and expand economic engagement across West Africa.
He stressed that the European Union’s economic restructuring presents an opportunity for mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa, adding that Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones are well positioned to deliver shared gains.
While noting that the EU remains Africa’s largest trade and investment partner, with trade in goods valued at about three hundred and fifty-five billion euros in 2024 and services above one hundred billion euros, Ogunyemi cautioned that trade patterns dominated by raw material exports remain a major challenge.
He warned that reliance on primary commodities without value addition limits industrial growth, skills development and supply-chain sustainability, urging greater European investment in Nigeria’s economic zones.
The meeting brought together European ambassadors, heads of EU delegations, officials of the European Commission, the European External Action Service, and other stakeholders.
