FG, Stakeholders Chart New Course for SEZs to Unlock Exports, Jobs
The Federal Government has signaled a renewed push to transform Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) into engines of export growth and employment, as the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, met with the Nigeria Economic Zones Association (NEZA) in Abuja on Thursday, 23rd April 2026.
During the engagement, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to fast-track reforms that will strengthen the performance of SEZs, enhance investor confidence, and expand Nigeria’s export footprint. She stressed the importance of collaboration, urging stakeholders to actively shape policies and legislative frameworks that will define the future of the sector. According to her, “our focus is on building a sustainable legacy of reforms that will unlock exports, create jobs, and improve the competitiveness of our economic zones.”
Oduwole noted that ongoing reviews of regulatory frameworks are aimed at eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring that SEZs operate as globally competitive hubs. She emphasized that aligning incentives with national economic priorities remains central to achieving tangible results.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, described the meeting as a strategic step toward deeper partnership, welcoming NEZA’s contributions and calling for continued knowledge-sharing to support policy development.
Speaking on behalf of the association, NEZA Chairman, Chief Nabil Saleh, said the visit was designed to strengthen dialogue on repositioning Nigeria’s SEZs to better support industrialization and export growth. He acknowledged Nigeria’s strong economic potential but pointed to coordination gaps and procedural delays as key constraints. “With better coordination, clear dispute resolution processes, and measurable performance tracking, Nigeria’s SEZs can become globally competitive destinations for investment,” he said.
The meeting highlighted a shared determination between government and private sector stakeholders to accelerate reforms, improve execution, and reposition Nigeria’s economic zones as catalysts for sustainable growth and international trade expansion.
