NEPZA MD Wins Re-Election to WFZO Board
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Managing Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, Olufemi Ogunyemi, has been re-elected to the board of the World Free Zones Organization during the organisation’s 11th Annual Congress held in Panama City.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications of NEPZA, Martins Odeh, Dr Ogunyemi secured 85 per cent of the total votes cast by delegates from Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
The statement noted that the voting blocs had similarly backed Ogunyemi during his first election into the board in Dubai in 2024.
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Chairman of the WFZO, Mohammed Alzarooni, described Ogunyemi’s re-election as well deserved, commending his commitment and leadership during 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 praised Ogunyemi’s leadership qualities and contributions to the agency.
Speaking on behalf of the management and staff, the Director of Corporate Services, Haleema Sani Kamba, said the NEPZA boss had continued to make significant impact in the authority.
“We are not surprised that the impact of his excellent service and leadership has been acknowledged and rewarded on a global stage again,” she said.
Reacting to his re-election, Ogunyemi expressed appreciation to members of the organisation for the overwhelming support he received during the election conducted on Friday.
He attributed the victory to Nigeria’s efforts at repositioning the Special Economic Zones scheme to drive economic growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, Nigeria’s free trade zones have become increasingly attractive and globally competitive.
“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.
Ogunyemi added that the WFZO remained a major platform for attracting Foreign Direct Investments, noting that Nigeria and other African countries should leverage his position on the board to draw more investments to the continent.
The WFZO serves as the umbrella body for countries operating Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones schemes globally, promoting partnerships aimed at economic prosperity and investment growth.
The 2026 congress was also attended by the presidents of Panama and the Dominican Republic, making it the first edition of the congress to host two sitting presidents simultaneously.
