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 Organization (WFZO) during the organisation’s 11th Annual Congress held in Panama.
The re-election is being viewed as another sign of growing international recognition for Nigeria’s performance in regulating the Special Economic Zones scheme.
In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications of NEPZA, Martins Odeh, African delegates alongside counterparts from Europe and Latin America reportedly delivered bloc votes that accounted for about 85 per cent of the total votes secured by Dr. Ogunyemi.
The statement noted that the NEPZA boss had similarly enjoyed strong support from the same regional blocs during his first election to the board in Dubai in 2024.
Chairman of the WFZO, Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, congratulated Dr. Ogunyemi on his re-election, describing it as well deserved.
According to him, members of the global free zones organisation appreciated Ogunyemi’s energy, commitment and leadership throughout his first tenure on the board.
“I simply wish to congratulate Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi of Nigeria and all other members of the WFZO Board of Directors on their delightful new tenure and continued exemplary service to the world,” Alzarooni said.
The management of NEPZA also described Ogunyemi as a distinguished administrator with strong leadership qualities and extensive knowledge of the Special Economic Zones scheme.
Speaking on behalf of the management and staff, Director of Corporate Services, Mrs. Haleema Sani Kamba, said the NEPZA boss had continued to make meaningful contributions to the authority and Nigeria’s free trade zone sector.
“We are not surprised that the impact of his excellent service and leadership has been acknowledged and rewarded on a global stage again,” she stated.
In his remarks after the election, Dr. Ogunyemi expressed appreciation to members of the organisation for the overwhelming support that secured his return to the board.
He attributed the achievement to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reposition the Special Economic Zones scheme as a major driver of economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
According to him, Nigeria’s free trade zones are becoming increasingly competitive and attractive to global investors.
“I wish to thank my colleagues on the board and all the well meaning colleagues in WFZO who returned me with their votes. I shall continue to do my best to serve the organisation,” he said.
He also described the World Free Zones Organization as an important platform for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), adding that Nigeria and other African countries should leverage his position on the board to attract more investments to the continent.
The WFZO serves as the umbrella body for countries operating Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones, promoting partnerships and economic cooperation among member nations.
The 2026 congress in Panama was notable for the participation of two sitting presidents the Presidents of Panama and the Dominican Republic.
