The 3rd Special Economic Zones Annual Meeting, organized by the Nigeria Economic Zones Association, took place from February 19-20, 2025, at the Harbour Point Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for advancing Nigeria’s economic zones and fostering industrial growth.
The event commenced with a grand dinner on February 19, where Hajia Hafsat Belewa, Chairman of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, received the Pacesetter Award for Dedication to Fostering Industrial Excellence in Attracting Foreign Direct Investment and Driving Economic Development in Nigeria on behalf of the zone. The award recognized the Ogun Zone’s outstanding contributions to industrial development and its role in strengthening Nigeria’s economic landscape. Dignitaries at the dinner included the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, and Dr. Abdul-Jaleel Balewa, along with several high-profile guests from the government and private sectors.
On February 20, the event transitioned into a conference featuring discussions on the theme “Fostering Strategic Synergies for Enhanced Special Economic Zones Operations and Sustainable Economic Growth.” In her keynote address, Hajia Hafsat Belewa emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving industrial success. She acknowledged the collective achievements of Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones over the past two years, citing the impact of sound policies, investment opportunities, and economic transformation.
“At the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, we see ourselves not merely as contributors but as torchbearers of industrial excellence and innovation,” she stated. “This meeting is not just a celebration of our shared journey, but a call to action—one that reminds us of the incredible potential Nigeria holds in economic and industrial development.” Her speech underscored the importance of strategic planning, foreign investment, and sustainable economic policies in ensuring the continued success of the Special Economic Zones across the country.
The annual meeting attracted top government officials and business leaders, including Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi; Zone Coordinator, Steven Makanjuola; Director of Logistics, Alhaji Bamanga Usman Jada; and the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zone.
The 3rd Special Economic Zones Annual Meeting served as a platform to reinforce the vision of economic sustainability and industrial expansion in Nigeria. As conversations around investment and industrial excellence continue, the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone reaffirmed its commitment to driving economic growth, attracting foreign investment, and contributing to Nigeria’s industrial transformation. The successful conclusion of the event signals a renewed momentum for Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones, paving the way for future innovation, collaboration, and economic prosperity.