By Chesa Chesa
The Managing Director of the 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.
Dr. Ogunyemi secured 85 per cent of the total votes cast, following strong backing from African, European and Latin American delegates at the election conducted on Friday.
His re-election comes two years after he first won a seat on the board in Dubai in 2024 with similar support from the same continental blocs.
Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization, Mohammed Alzarooni, described Ogunyemi’s re-election as well deserved, praising his contributions 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 lauded Ogunyemi’s leadership qualities and achievements in repositioning Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones scheme.
Speaking on behalf of the management and staff, Director of Corporate Services, Haleema Sani Kamba, said the recognition reflected Ogunyemi’s impact both locally and internationally.
“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 the development, Ogunyemi expressed appreciation to members of the organisation for the confidence reposed in him, attributing the victory to Nigeria’s progress in reforming its free trade zones in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, Nigeria’s free trade zones had become increasingly competitive and attractive to investors globally.
“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 his continued presence on the board would provide Nigeria and other African countries with opportunities to attract more Foreign Direct Investments through the global free zones network.
The World Free Zones Organization serves as the umbrella body for countries operating Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones, with a mandate to promote economic cooperation, investment opportunities and sustainable development through strategic global partnerships.
The 2026 congress in Panama was notable for the participation of two sitting presidents — the presidents of Panama and the Dominican Republic.
