By Esther Ososanya
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, receives a U.S. Congressional Commendation for transparency and economic reform.
The commendation jointly presented by South Carolina Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers and Georgia Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler comes as international recognition of Nigeria’s ongoing transformation of its Free Trade Zones (FTZs) into globally competitive investment destinations.
According to NEPZA’s management, the award affirms the success of Dr Ogunyemi’s aggressive push to make Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones more investor-friendly, profitable, and aligned with global best practices.
Appointed in 2023, Dr Ogunyemi has led reforms that are revamping NEPZA’s operational model, introducing transparent corporate governance, cutting red tape, and boosting confidence among international investors.
“These reforms are yielding results,” NEPZA said in a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Martins Odeh, adding that Ogunyemi’s leadership has “triggered increased traffic of world-class enterprises into Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones.”
Under his watch, NEPZA has successfully repositioned Nigeria’s FTZs from bureaucratic outposts to dynamic economic engines now attracting major global players in manufacturing, logistics, technology, and agro-processing.
Boosting Nigeria’s Global Investment Profile Dr
. Ogunyemi’s international engagement strategy has seen him represent Nigeria at top investment forums, including the World Free Zones Organisation (WFZO) in Dubai, the Africa Economic Zones Organisation (AEZO) in Nairobi, and the International Conference on Financing Investment and Trade in Africa in Tunis.
His election to the Board of the World Trade Zones Organisation (WTZO) and the Steering Committee of AEZO underscores Nigeria’s rising relevance in global economic zone governance.
NEPZA says these roles provide Nigeria with strategic influence in shaping investment policies and securing international partnerships that can unlock billions of dollars in capital inflow.
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Though trained as a medical doctor, Dr Ogunyemi’s credentials in business administration, political economy, and global diplomacy have proven critical in aligning NEPZA’s operations with the economic blueprint of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
NEPZA insiders credit Ogunyemi’s results-orientated management style for restoring trust between Nigeria and the global investor community, particularly at a time when many developing economies are struggling to attract long-term capital.
Commendation Rooted in Economic Reform
The U.S. Congressional award, presented during the 2025 Africa Leadership Organisation UK Awards at the House of Lords in London, was facilitated by the Africa Leadership Organisation, publishers of Africa Leadership Magazine.
The citation highlighted Dr. Ogunyemi’s track record in promoting transparency, probity, and efficient resource management, key attributes critical to investor decision-making in emerging markets like Nigeria.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
