During a recent interview in Abuja, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), celebrated his recent election to the Board of the World Free Zone Organisation (WFZO) at the World Free Zone Congress in Dubai. This milestone follows NEPZA’s approval of a significant $150 million license for the Abuja Industrial Park (ZEBERCED) free zone, a venture that promises to greatly enhance Nigeria’s manufacturing and export capabilities.

Dr. Ogunyemi revealed that the Abuja Industrial Park is set to accommodate over 170 factories and is expected to create around 40,000 jobs. He noted that his election was bolstered by a coalition of African representatives as well as support from delegates from Europe and Latin America during this year’s congress.

Reflecting on this achievement, Dr. Ogunyemi remarked, “Nigeria is a resilient nation with a tremendous reputation and the potential to take on a leadership role on the global stage. My victory is a testament to this conviction.” He added, “The backing I received from my colleagues across Africa, alongside support from some European and Latin American representatives, was crucial. The World Free Zone Organisation plays a vital role in facilitating Foreign Direct Investment opportunities, and now, with my position on the board, Nigeria and other African countries can seize this moment to refine strategies for attracting more FDIs to the continent.”

Dr. Martins Odeh, Head of Corporate Communications at NEPZA, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to Ogunyemi’s success and reiterated NEPZA’s commitment to fostering organizational growth.

In another significant development, Dr. Ogunyemi presented the operating license for the private free zone in Abuja to its Turkish stakeholders. He emphasized that this new business ecosystem, which spans 250 hectares, has the potential to greatly benefit Nigeria’s economy by promoting sustained exports of manufactured goods.

Mr. Adil Kurt, Managing Director of Abuja Industrial Park, shared his appreciation for the federal government’s one-stop-shop policy that has simplified the registration process. He noted that the zone is poised to become a crucial hub for manufacturing and export activities.