'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) in a bold move to accelerate Nigeria's economic development has entered into a strategic partnership with the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE). This alliance was formalized during a high-level meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, where NEPZA’s Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, hosted a delegation led by ACOE Chairman, Martin Odiete.
The partnership is designed to enhance NEPZA’s efforts in driving the growth of Nigeria’s non-oil sectors, particularly through the development of Free Zones. Dr. Ogunyemi praised ACOE for its commitment to promoting NEPZA’s initiatives, emphasizing that the collaboration comes at a crucial time as the Authority undertakes significant reforms to align with global economic standards.
“The collaboration with ACOE is strategic as NEPZA is undergoing a transformation to reposition itself as a key player in the global economy,” Dr. Ogunyemi said. He revealed that NEPZA plans to overhaul its legal framework, including renaming the agency to "Special Economic Zone," in order to broaden its scope and attract more investments into the country. “The current NEPZA Act, enacted in 1992, is outdated and no longer meets the demands of today’s global economy,” he explained.
With these changes, NEPZA’s mandate will expand beyond traditional export processing zones to comprehensive special economic zones, positioning Nigeria as a central hub for global trade. Dr. Ogunyemi stressed the importance of digital visibility and public engagement in this new phase, areas where ACOE’s expertise in online media will be invaluable.
"We are excited to work with ACOE to enhance our communication strategies, which will not only amplify our initiatives but also attract potential investors to explore the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s Free Zones," he stated. Dr. Ogunyemi also welcomed ACOE’s proposals for joint initiatives, such as media tours of NEPZA facilities and participation in upcoming media engagements to foster a deeper understanding of NEPZA’s operations.
ACOE Chairman, Martin Odiete, echoed Dr. Ogunyemi’s enthusiasm, noting that the partnership would significantly boost NEPZA’s online presence. Odiete emphasized ACOE’s role in creating compelling narratives that highlight NEPZA’s critical contributions to economic growth, especially in the non-oil sector. “ACOE is well-positioned to support NEPZA by crafting digital content that informs, engages, and inspires confidence in Nigeria’s Free Zones,” he said.
In a bid to further strengthen the relationship, Odiete revealed that ACOE plans to invite NEPZA as a platinum sponsor for its upcoming investiture program. “This event provides an excellent platform for engaging thought leaders, and having NEPZA as a sponsor would cement its role as a key driver in Nigeria’s economic narrative,” he added.
The collaboration is also expected to extend beyond just digital content creation. ACOE requested a comprehensive tour of NEPZA’s operations across the country, allowing its members to gain firsthand knowledge of the agency’s activities and impact. Additionally, Dr. Ogunyemi was invited to participate in ACOE’s monthly media parley, where he could engage directly with media professionals on the reforms and future direction of NEPZA.
As the partnership kicks off, both NEPZA and ACOE are optimistic that the collaboration will lead to increased awareness about Nigeria’s Free Zones, positioning them as prime investment destinations for both local and foreign stakeholders. This is expected to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth by attracting diverse investments, particularly in sectors outside of oil.
“NEPZA’s role in Nigeria’s economic development is vital, and as corporate online editors, it is our responsibility to communicate this to the public in the most engaging and informative way possible,” Odiete concluded.
This partnership marks a key milestone in NEPZA’s efforts to modernize its operations and increase investor confidence, ensuring that Nigeria’s Free Zones play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic diversification and global competitiveness.