NEPZA Boss Re-elected to WFZO Board in Panama

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, in another major global endorsement of Nigeria’s growing influence in the administration of Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones.

Dr. Ogunyemi secured an overwhelming 85 per cent of the total votes cast, following strong support from African delegates as well as counterparts from Europe and Latin America during the election held at the 11th Annual Congress of the organisation.

This marks the second consecutive victory for the NEPZA boss, having first won election into the board in Dubai in 2024.

Chairman of the WFZO, Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, described Dr. Ogunyemi’s re-election as well deserved, commending his energy, dedication and leadership throughout his first tenure on the board.

“I wish to congratulate Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi of Nigeria and all other members of the WFZO Board of Directors on their new tenure and continued exemplary service to the global free zones community,” Alzarooni stated.

Reacting to the development, the management of NEPZA said the re-election reflected the confidence of the international community in Dr. Ogunyemi’s leadership capacity and contributions to the advancement of the free zones scheme.

Speaking on behalf of the management and staff, Director of Corporate Services, Mrs. Haleema Sani Kamba, described the NEPZA chief as a visionary leader with exceptional knowledge of the scheme and a remarkable sense of professionalism.

“We are not surprised that the impact of his excellent service and leadership has once again been acknowledged and rewarded on the global stage,” she said.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Ogunyemi expressed appreciation to member countries and voting blocs for the confidence reposed in him, noting that the achievement reflected Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reposition the free zones scheme as a strategic driver of economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, Nigeria’s free trade zones are becoming increasingly competitive and attractive to global investors.

“I thank my colleagues on the board and the entire WFZO family for this overwhelming support. I remain committed to serving the organisation to the best of my ability,” he said.

Dr. Ogunyemi further noted that the WFZO remained a critical platform for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), stressing that Nigeria and other African countries must leverage his position on the board to deepen investment inflows into the continent.

The World Free Zones Organisation is the global umbrella body for countries operating Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones. The organisation promotes international collaboration and partnerships aimed at driving economic prosperity, investment and sustainable development.

The 2026 congress in Panama was historic, as it was the first edition attended by two sitting presidents — the Presidents of Panama and the Dominican Republic.