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Tag: OGFZA

  • OGFZA seeks 10-year exemption for free zones in new tax law

    OGFZA seeks 10-year exemption for free zones in new tax law

    The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has thrown its weight behind calls for a 10-year exemption for operators in special economic and free zones from the new tax law provisions. 

    OGFZA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bamanga Usman Jada, took the position during a town hall meeting with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and OGFZA licensees held at the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State.

    This was as he announced that it has attracted more than 24 billion dollars in investments into Nigeria, an achievement that underscores the strategic value of the nation’s free zones.

    Head, Corporate Communications, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Golda Opuine Ukomadu, made this known in a statement made available to The Nation in Abuja on Saturday. 

    Jada argued that the proposed 10-year extension would provide operators with the “adaptation space” needed to transition and comply with evolving tax requirements, noting that Nigeria’s free zones have already generated hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country.

    He said, “Distinguished guests, I endorse the appeal presented last week by the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) during the stakeholder engagement organized by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. 

    “The request seeks a minimum ten-year exemption for operators in special economic zones and free zones from the new tax provisions, allowing sufficient time for adaptation.

    “Energy-oriented free zones have been pivotal in driving development in numerous nations, exemplified by the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai and the Sohar Free Zone in Oman. These initiatives have drawn billions in investments, generated extensive employment opportunities, and positioned their economies as global leaders.

    “Similarly, OGFZA-regulated free zones in Nigeria have secured over $24 billion in investments, accommodated more than 200 enterprises, and created hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. This underscores the value of robust incentives and effective regulation in accelerating industrialization.

    “Accordingly, OGFZA supports the call for a ten-year extension of existing tax incentives, coupled with a phased implementation to mitigate potential disruptions. Many of our licensees, including prominent foreign investors, formulate strategies spanning 10, 15, or even 25 years, predicated on prevailing incentives. Granting this transitional period would reinforce the Renewed Hope Agenda and uphold policy consistency, a cornerstone for attracting sustained investment.

    “As the apex regulator of oil and gas free zones and administrator of the one-stop-shop framework, OGFZA remains integral to their enduring viability. Our efforts have been recognized through prestigious accolades, including the Best Federal Agency on Ease of Doing Business award from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2024, as well as the Financial Times’ FDI Magazine designation as the best specialized free zone in 2018.” 

    The OGFZA helmsman commended the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “his visionary leadership,” even as he thanked the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Minister of State, Senator John Enoh, for “their steadfast guidance and advocacy in supporting the sector.” 

    He said under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “Exports from Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones have surged to 496,537,804 metric tons, generating substantial foreign exchange inflows. Our operators now supply markets in Brazil, the United States, France, India, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea, and beyond, aligning seamlessly with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    He reiterated OGFZA’s readiness to “sustain collaboration with FIRS, in accordance with our memorandum of understanding, to ensure the tax reforms are executed efficiently and equitably.” 

    Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji argued, “The 2025 tax reforms mark a significant step in modernizing Nigeria’s fiscal frameworks.”

    “For Export Processing and Free Trade Zones, the focus is not on taxation of income or profits of Zone entities, but on promoting transparency, accountability and proper reporting. By embracing compliance, collaboration and commitment to respecting obligations imposed by relevant tax laws, Free Trade zones can meaningfully contribute to national development, which is the very essence for implementing the Special Economic zones scheme,” he explained.

    Represented by the Special Adviser on Tax Incentive Management, Dr. Cletus Adie, the FIRS boss condemned what he described as “continuous recalcitrant behaviours of some enterprises”, that have “motivated the deployment of a deliberate and structured administrative strategy that compels compliance by all enterprises, supported by section 72 (4) (f ) of the Nigerian Tax Administration Act. 

    Accordingly, the need for the implementation of tax clearance certificate as a mandatory requirement for issuance of renewal of operating license has become crucial,” he stressed.

    Stakeholders at the event unanimously called for the exemption for operators in special economic and free zones from the new tax law provisions, to enable them adjust.

    Highlights of the event were special presentations, interactive, as well as question and answer session, among others.

  • OGFZA partners NFIU to enhance investment

    OGFZA partners NFIU to enhance investment

    The Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Bamanga Jada, has expressed readiness to partner with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in enhancing Nigeria’s investment attractiveness and global investor confidence.

    Jada, who disclosed this during a recent visit to the Director of the NFIU, Hafsat Bakari, alongside key members of his management team at her office in Abuja, said the strategic partnership is expected to further attract high-value investments into the country and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s overall economic growth.

    The purpose of the visit, according to Jada, was also to explore avenues of collaboration between both agencies, particularly in improving the transparency and compliance levels within Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Free Zones.

    Jada commended Hajiya Bakari for her well-deserved appointment and expressed confidence in her ability to elevate the NFIU’s status within the global financial intelligence community. He emphasized OGFZA’s readiness to work closely with the NFIU to achieve shared objectives, particularly in the areas of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) within the Oil and Gas Free Zones.

    He highlighted that OGFZA, as a regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the activities within Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones, is fully committed to ensuring that these zones operate with the highest level of transparency and integrity. The collaboration with NFIU is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight and prevent the exploitation of these zones for illicit financial activities.

    “The strategic collaboration between OGFZA and NFIU is also expected to lead to the development of new regulatory guidelines that will further safeguard the integrity of financial transactions within Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Free Zones. By closing loopholes and enhancing due diligence measures, both agencies aim to create a more secure and investor-friendly environment that will attract more credible investors into the sector.

    “The partnership between OGFZA and NFIU is anticipated to yield several positive outcomes. First, it will contribute to improving Nigeria’s Investor Attractiveness Ranking, which has been on an upward trajectory due to ongoing reforms. The enhanced regulatory environment will also increase the Investment Rating of Nigeria, positioning the country as a top destination for international investors seeking opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

    “Furthermore, the collaboration will foster greater inter-agency cooperation, leading to more efficient resource utilization, quicker response times in addressing financial crimes, and a more coordinated approach to economic development. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both OGFZA and NFIU, Nigeria stands to benefit from a more transparent, secure, and resilient investment landscape,” he said.

    The NFIU Director/CEO, Hajiya Bakari, assured of her commitment to a robust partnership with OGFZA, noting that such collaborations are essential for the effective implementation and monitoring of critical regulations. She outlined plans for joint sensitization and training exercises by both agencies, aimed at enhancing compliance with AML and CFT regulations within the Oil and Gas Free Zones. These initiatives will include workshops, seminars, and capacity-building programs designed to educate stakeholders on the importance of adhering to global best practices in financial transparency and accountability.

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    Hajiya Bakari noted that the NFIU’s achievements in combating financial crimes have had a ripple effect across multiple sectors of the economy, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and financial services. By ensuring that free zones are not exploited for illegal activities, the NFIU has contributed to creating a safer and more attractive business environment for both local and foreign investors.

    As the primary regulatory body overseeing the operations within Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Free Zones, OGFZA plays a critical role in national economic growth. The Authority’s mandate includes administering, regulating, and managing activities within these zones, ensuring that businesses operate in compliance with national laws and international standards. OGFZA’s focus on attracting high-quality investments into the free zones aligns with the government’s broader goal of diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on oil revenues.

    Through strategic partnerships, such as the one with NFIU, OGFZA is poised to enhance its regulatory effectiveness and contribute more significantly to Nigeria’s economic transformation. The Authority’s proactive approach to engaging with sister government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners underscores its commitment to creating a world-class investment climate within Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Free Zones.

  • NASS lauds OGFZA’s impact on economy

    NASS lauds OGFZA’s impact on economy

    The leadership of the Nation Assembly has praised the impact the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has had on the country’s economy.

    The meeting which was between the Managing Director/CEO of OGFZA, Bamanga Usman Jada, and the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce and the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment led by their chairman, Hon. Ahmed Munir Lere, and Senator Umar Sadiq Suleiman held at the Authority’s office in Maitama.

    The meeting provided an opportunity for the committees to gain insight into the activities and operations of the Authority, discuss milestone achievements, and address the challenges confronting the Authority.

    They commended the MD/CEO for his tenacity in growing the OGFZA brand and his efforts to expand the activities of the Authority in Nigeria. According to the Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Honourable Munir, “Bamanga’s tenacity in growing the OGFZA brand and expanding the activities of the Authority across the country is commendable.”

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    Assuring the Authority’s management team of the committees’ unwavering support to assist the Authority in achieving its set goals, Hon. Munir stressed the need for all OGFZA-regulated Free Zones to continue to sustain the present gains.

    This, he noted, would facilitate an increase in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and create an avenue for the northern parts of the country to enjoy the benefits of the activities of the Oil and Gas Free Zones.

    He further emphasized the need for the Authority to engage clients in its zones to prioritize the production and distribution of electricity as a means to actualize the much-needed power generation in the zones.

    In his response, the OGFZA helmsman expressed gratitude to the Chairman for applauding his efforts and commitment towards promoting the OGFZA brand. He stated that besides giving the rest of the world an initiative to emulate the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) model specializing in hydrocarbon activities, the Authority is on the verge of securing a commitment with some clients to boost electricity, as well as provide Blue and Green energy.

    He said: “We are already working on securing commitments with some clients on power generation, as well as to provide Blue and Green Energy in our zones, which will turn Nigeria into an international centre for hydrogen energy in Africa.”

    Jada also disclosed that working with sister agencies within its zones has boosted the one-stop-shop experience for its clients and made it easier to navigate the activities of the Authority and its prospective investors.

    He revealed that the Authority has, since inception, attracted investments worth over $24 billion in FDIs and local investments of over ₦399 billion, creating over 200,000 jobs in Nigeria. While Jada received a nod from the committees for their assurance in growing the OGFZA brand, he urged them to use their good offices to support the activities of the Authority.

    The committees took cognizance of the need for collaborative efforts to assist the Authority in driving economic growth and attracting more investments into the country. They affirmed their unwavering commitment and support for the nation’s oil and gas-free zones to thrive.

    Meanwhile, the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has long been recognized as a pivotal institution in Nigeria’s economic landscape, playing a critical role in attracting foreign direct investments and fostering local economic development.

    Its commitment to enhancing the nation’s oil and gas sector through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions has yielded significant results, as highlighted during the recent meetings with the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce and the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment.

    The Authority’s commitment to innovation and excellence continues to set it apart as a leading institution in Nigeria’s economic landscape. By fostering a conducive environment for investment and growth, OGFZA is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation’s oil and gas sector. As it continues to attract significant investments and create job opportunities, OGFZA remains a beacon of progress and a catalyst for sustainable economic development in Nigeria.

  • OGFZA woos Huayi to explore fertilizer, petrochemical stake in Nigeria

    OGFZA woos Huayi to explore fertilizer, petrochemical stake in Nigeria

    China’s largest conglomerate, the Huayi Group, is embarking on a venture to explore profitable investment prospects in Nigeria, forging partnerships with Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited (BFPCL), and other stakeholders.

    The delegation convened at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Towers in Abuja on Wednesday, March 6, Led by Vice President Wang Xihuan of Shanghai Huayi and Deputy Managing Director Ehan Guo of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

    These deliberations were conducted under the guidance of the Honorable Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo.

    Accompanying the esteemed members of the Huayi Group were key figures from the Nigerian petrochemical landscape, including representatives from the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited (BFPCL) and the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authorities (OGFZA).

    The gathering included Bamanga Usman Jada, CEO of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authorities (OGFZA), and Ben Okoye, Managing Director of the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited (BFPCL).

    Zhou Hau, the Managing Director of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), Zheng Bi Jun, Chairman of the Board at Shanghai Energy Chemical, Ha Nan, Vice President of Energy Chemical, along with Wu Wai, Manager at Shanghai Huayi, were also present, among others.

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    While addressing the distinguished guests, Minister Ekperikpe reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for investors.

    He said: “Nigeria is open for business, and we stand ready to provide the necessary support and assistance to facilitate your investment endeavours.”

    Furthermore, he highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s directive to combat corruption, ensuring a transparent and hospitable investment environment.

    “Any request for a bribe will be met with severe consequences under the law,” he affirmed, underscoring the government’s dedication to upholding integrity and accountability.

    Central to the discussions was the Brass Petrochemical Project, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.

    Minister Ekperikpe affirmed its significance, stating, “The Brass Project holds immense potential for driving the diversification of our economy. It is one of the seven critical projects of this current administration.”

    However, the Huayi Group expressed keen interest in the feasibility study for investments in the Brass Petrochemical Project, particularly in methanol production.

    Managing Director Zhou Hau provided insights into the company’s annual returns surpassing $10 billion. He outlined their strategic emphasis on methanol, azelaic acid, and tyre production.

    He projected a production capacity requirement of 3.5 million tons per year for methanol by 2027, sourced from Nigeria.

    In a bid to reassure the delegation, Minister Ekperikpe emphasized Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and success of investors. “I assure you of our full support and cooperation,” he affirmed.

    Following discussions with OGFZA’s CEO, Bamanga Usman, the delegation gained insights into the operational framework of Nigeria’s free trade zones.

    He elaborated on OGFZA’s role in ensuring a conducive environment for investors within the free trade zones.

    He assured the investors of seamless facilitation, stating, “Every region declared as a free trade zone operates efficiently, with established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).”

    The delegation in the same vein, sought clarity on infrastructure provisions within the free trade zones, to which Usman Jada assured government support while noting the autonomy of investors to supplement infrastructure needs.

  • OGFZA gets Fed Govt’s ease-of-doing-business award

    The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) was at the weekend, decorated as the best parastatal of the Federal Government in the implementation of the policy on the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria by Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

    PEBEC which reviewed the implementation of the policy by 44 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government in 2018, ranked OGFZA number one with a score of 94 per cent. The Federal Ministry of Finance trailed it in second place.

    Managing Director of OGFZA, Mr Umana Okon Umana, was called onto the podium to receive the award in a well-attended ceremony held at the banquet hall of the State House, Abuja. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is the chairman of PEBEC, and Dr Okechukwu Enelemah, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, who is the vice chairman of PEBEC.

    The Ease of Doing Business initiative, which came as Executive Order number 1, was signed into force on 18 May 2017 by Vice President Osinbajo, who was then Acting President.

    The first of a series of executive orders meant to improve governance in the country, Executive Order 1 (EO1) seeks to promote transparency and efficiency in the business environment. The PEBEC office projects that “EO 1 will transform the way the FGN and its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) serve the business community and the public at large.”

    EO1 has six directives designed to eliminate limitations in the civil and public services systems. The directives target transparency, default approval (to fuel efficiency), One government (for efficiency), entry experience of visitors and travelers, port operations and registration of businesses.

    In 2017, OGFZA won global recognition when the FDi Magazine, a publication of the Financial Times of London, named the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zones, administered by OGFZA, as world number one in incentives granted to free zone enterprises and the best in special services to investors.

     

     

  • OGFZA signs power contract for Onne Free Zone

    The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has  licensed a power consortium, PHEDC/ESOP, as project partners to provide cheap electricity in Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone.

    The mandate of the power consortium is to provide gas-fired dedicated power to the free zone at a cost per kilowatt of power that is lower than the going rate of diesel-generated power in the zone.

    Announcing the key step on the embedded power project to a stakeholders forum during the week, Managing Director of OGFZA, Mr Umana Okon Umana, said the latest development on the project was in keeping with his commitment to stakeholders in the free zone during the joint stakeholders meeting of August 2017 in Onne that OGFZA would “provide embedded power as a cost cutting measure to improve competitiveness in the Free Zones.”

    In an address to the forum, chairman of the governing board of OGFZA, Chief Timipre Sylva, represented by board member, Engr Tempitope Kuyemi, said government would prioritise the provision of infrastructure in the free zones and the take-off of the Brass Oil and Gas City, a registered free zone located on Brass Island in Bayelsa State. Chief Sylva promised to ensure that the oil and gas free zones get the right support from government “to fulfil their mandate as vehicles for the stimulation of industrialisation, diversification of the economy and job creation.”

    Umana also told stakeholders at the Lagos meeting that OGFZA “will be collaborating with Axxela Ltd to deliver holistic energy solutions to our free zones.” Both power solution firms, PHEDC/ESOP and Axxela, made presentations at the meeting.

    He reported more progress by the free zone regulator. “On the issue of tariffs in the free zones,” Umana said, “I want to assure you that we will continue to address concerns in that direction to ensure that tariffs are at all times moderated to fair and reasonable levels in the best interest of all.

    He said two ORACLE Cloud Services Modules which have been undergoing test run and integration are to be commissioned in December 2018 as part of the zone’s automation process, saying OGFZA has engaged PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to carry out a diagnostic assessment/review of “our existing and proposed oil and gas free zones.”

    Umana said there have been some instances of misunderstanding with regard to the position of the law on taxation as it relates to Free Zone operators,  pointing out that the Authority will continue to ensure that Free Zone operators are not denied incentives guaranteed for them by law.

     

     

  • OGFZA, Eko Support Free Zone seal management deal

    The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) and Eko Support Oil & Gas Free Zone have signed a set of agreements to manage the free zone as a public-private partnership and develop its infrastructure base to global standards to attract foreign and domestic investments.

    Eko Support Oil and Gas Free Zone, based in Apapa within the Lagos port complex, is fully equipped with municipal services and offers the full range of logistics support backup to the oil and gas industry.

    The two management protocols were specified as consultancy agreement, which creates the framework for a partnership between OGFZA and Eko Support in the operation of the free zone; and developer agreement, which gives Eko Support the franchise to develop the free zone into a logistics support base that can attract big-time foreign and domestic investors.

    The Managing Director of OGFZA, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, who signed the agreements for OGFZA, described the deal as “steps taken to provide the basic framework for the operation of the Eko Support Free Zone.” Umana lauded the joint committee of OGFZA and Eko Support that produced the management agreements, and assured Eko Support of “the necessary support for the optimal operation of the free zone.”

    Umana pledged to “ensure that all incentives meant for free zones under OGFZA are made available at Eko Support to attract investments in keeping with the Federal Government development objectives enshrined in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.”

    The Director of Eko Support, Mr Seni Edu, who signed the agreements for his organisation, said he looked forward to a close and beneficial cooperation with OGFZA in the operation of the free zone.

     

  • Exporters hail OGFZA for ranking best in Ease of Doing Business

    The Association of Nigerian Exporters has commended the leadership of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) on the performance of the agency in the 2018 ranking by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) on the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria.

    Director-General of the association, Prince Joseph Idiong, said “the ranking of OGFZA by PEBEC as the first among 44 agencies of government in the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Policy of the Federal Government reflects the hard work and industry of the management of the Authority in the execution of one of the most critical economic policies of the Federal Government.”

    Idiong praised OGFZA on its spectacular success and noted that the parastatal has earned the distinction less than two years after a new management led by Mr Umana Okon Umana took control at the agency. “What has happened is the product of right leadership,” Prince Idiong said. “Where the leader has vision and the capacity to carry through with the vision the story is bound to be that of success such as we have in OGFZA.”

    Reached for comment on the ranking story, Mr Umana commended “President Muhammadu Buhari for instituting the Ease of Doing Business Policy and for creating the right environment for agencies of government to deliver on the promise of the policy.” He said the operating environment for doing business in Nigeria has changed for the better, and hailed all the agencies of government polled in the survey for their diligence and commitment to the spirit and letters of the Ease of Doing Business Policy.

    Umana added that the credit for OGFZA’s performance in the survey should go to the staff of the Authority for their industry, commitment and hard work. “Without them nothing would have been possible,” he said. “They have been dedicated to the implementation of our roadmap right from the day it was unveiled in February 2017.” The roadmap is OGFZA’s performance guide which is entirely consistent with the Ease of Doing Business Policy and milestones execution in the agency.

    OGFZA moved five places to clinch the top spot in the 2018 compliance ranking. It was ranked the 6th best government agency in compliance with the policy by PEBEC in 2017. The ranking is in its second year since PEBEC secretariat was set up to oversee the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Policy.

  • OGFZA to accelerate take-off of Brass Oil, Gas City, says Sylva

    The Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), will accelerate the take-off of the Brass Oil and Gas City, the Chairman of the board, Chief Timipre Sylva, has said.

    The former Governor of Bayelsa State, who spoke during the inaugural meeting of the board of the agency at the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, Rivers State, the BOG City was approved and licensed as a free zone a long time ago, saying “we have to make sure that Brass Oil and Gas City becomes operational as soon as possible.”

    Observing that the governing board had little time in the face of so much to do, Chief Sylva said the situation called for hard work and firm prioritisation in project execution. He said the task the board has set itself would be accomplished because of its high quality membership. “I am very proud to be part of the board of such eminent Nigerians,” he said, adding, “we are all very seasoned people, very skilled people and it is easy for us to understand ourselves.”

    The Chairman commended the executive management of the agency for its effective leadership, stating that OGFZA’s Managing Director, Umana Okon Umana, has demonstrated the right leadership in directing the affairs of the free zone regulator and in administering the oil and gas free zones under his control. “Umana is leading OGFZA in the right direction,” Chief Sylva said.

    In a media chat, Chief Sylva outlined the vision and agenda for the new board, saying the board would provide power in Onne. “We are engaging a group of investors that will build a turbine for the free zone; that would be one of the things we would like to achieve before the end of the year.”

    The OGFZA chairman said efforts to improve the revenue position of the agency through effective IGR strategy would receive equal priority attention, pointing out that the board would do all that is necessary to resolve issues of conflict between the Nigeria Export Processing Authority (NEPZA) and OGFZA.“That will take a lot of our attention because we are going to make sure that we resolve those issues of conflict,” Chief Sylva said.

    Present at the inaugural board meeting were, Chief Timipre Sylva, board chairman; Mr Umana Okon Umana, Managing Director; Kuyebi Temitope; Hon. Frank Owhor; Mrs. Ngozi Jipreze; Murtala Adhama; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji and Mrs Ifuoma Isaac, while Abdulwasiu Sule is Secretary to the Board.

  • ‘OGFZA on course to achieve mandate’

    The Governing Board of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has hailed the agency’s executive management for its effective leadership.

    Board Chairman Chief Timipre Sylva spoke at the inaugural meeting of the board at Onne, Rivers State.

    According to him, OGFZA’s Managing Director, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, has demonstrated the right leadership.

    “Umana is leading OGFZA in the right direction,” he said.

    In a media chat after the meeting, Sylva outlined the vision and agenda for the new board.

    He said: “One of the things we would like to achieve is to provide power in Onne before the end of the year and we are engaging investors that will build a turbine for the free zone.”

    Sylva said efforts to improve the agency’s revenue position through effective IGR strategy would receive equal priority attention.

    He added that his board would also do everything necessary to resolve conflict between the Nigeria Export Processing Authority (NEPZA) and OGFZA.

    “That will take a lot of our attention but we will resolve the conflict,” he added.

    According to him, one of the board’s priority projects would be “to accelerate the take-off of the Brass Oil and Gas City”.

    Sylva noted that the BOG City “was approved and licensed as a free zone a long time ago,” saying “we have to ensure that BOG City becomes operational as soon as possible.”

    Noting that the governing board had little time in the face of so much to do, Sylva said the situation called for hard work and firm prioritisation in project execution.

    He said the task the board has set itself would be accomplished because of its high quality membership.

    “I am very proud to be part of the board of such eminent Nigerians. We are all seasoned people, very skilled people, and it is easy for us to understand ourselves,” he said.

    At the inaugural board meeting were Sylva, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, Kuyebi Temitope; Frank Owhor; Mrs. Ngozi Jipreze; Murtala Adhama; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji and Mrs. Ifuoma Isaac and Board Secretary Abdulwasiu Sule.