The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has concluded plans to reform the agency’s legislation and rename it to Special Economic Zone which would align with Nigeria’s efforts to improve its ease of doing business ranking.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi when played host to the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) who came on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Tuesday.
He emphasized that the reforms would enhance Nigeria’s business environment, attract investments, and drive economic growth while assured the online Editors of the agency’s readiness for the collaboration.
Speaking further on the reforms, the Managing Director explained that the current agency’s Act, enacted in 1992 as a military decree, which is outdated and no longer reflects the global best practices in special economic zones.
He noted that the Vice President had already endorsed the proposed name change to Special Economic Zone, emphasizing its expanded scope beyond export clusters.
“We can’t continue to operate with an outdated legislation that refers to export processing zones, which have globally evolved into free trade zones and special economic zones,” Dr. Ogunyemi stated.
Earlier, the ACOE Chairman, Martin Odiete who pledged media support for the Agency, highlighted the association’s mission to uphold the highest standards of journalism in the emerging global new media landscape.
He emphasized ACOE’s unique position to support NEPZA’s objectives through digital communication, content creation expertise. “The partnership will focus on enhancing NEPZA’s online visibility to drive engagement”.
Odiete added the partnership will educate stakeholders on the benefits of Nigeria’s Free Zones, “and ACOE will utilize its expertise in digital storytelling to craft compelling narratives that effectively communicate NEPZA’s successes, initiatives, and opportunities”, he said.
While using the opportunity to extend an invitation to NEPZA to partner as a platinum sponsor of its upcoming investiture program, positioning NEPZA as a key player in Nigeria’s economic narrative. 
The Chairman who on behalf of the association requested permission for its members to be among the media tour to be organized by the Agency, in and outside the federal capital to gather firsthand information on its activities.
While inviting the MD to appear in the association’s monthly media parley, providing an opportunity for him to address the house and field questions from members.
Odiete noted that NEPZA’s mandate is pivotal for Nigeria’s economic trajectory, aiming to foster an enabling environment that propels economic growth and fortifies the non-oil sector.
He expressed ACOE’s commitment to leveraging digital platforms to showcase the benefits of investing in Nigeria’s Free Zones, attracting local and foreign investors.
The ACOE delegation was led by the Chairman, Martin Odiete, the Secretary, Shola Akingboye, alongside with some members like Chidi Ugwu, Adebola Aleshinloye, Peace Ofeoshi, Atinuke Nukay and Emmanuel Onu.
