OGFZA boss Jada to chair MARCON conference on Special Economic Zones, Blue Economy
By Eberechi Obinagwam
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Usman Bamanga Jada, will chair the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), bringing together key stakeholders to examine the role of Special Economic Zones in driving Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.
The conference, scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026, will focus on the theme: “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy.” The event is designed to deepen conversations on how free zones can stimulate industrialisation, attract investments, facilitate trade, create employment opportunities and unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The choice of Jada to chair the conference underscores the significance of the event, given OGFZA’s strategic role in promoting investment, industrial development and ease of doing business within Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones. His participation is also expected to enrich discussions on the critical role of Special Economic Zones in accelerating economic diversification and sustainable growth.
As the regulator and promoter of Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones, OGFZA has continued to play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s investment climate. The Authority has attracted significant investments, positioning itself as a major driver of economic growth in the oil and gas sector while creating opportunities for industrial expansion, technology transfer and employment generation.
Through strategic policy reforms, improved business processes and investor-friendly initiatives, OGFZA has enhanced Nigeria’s competitiveness as a preferred destination for energy-related investments. The Authority’s contributions continue to support increased local content, export-oriented industrialisation and the broader objectives of national economic development.
Speaking on the development, Chairman of the MARCON Conference Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, described OGFZA as one of the country’s most impactful investment promotion agencies whose achievements align perfectly with the conference theme.
He noted that the Authority’s success in attracting investments demonstrates the immense potential of Special Economic Zones as engines of economic transformation and sustainable blue economy development.
“We are honoured that the Managing Director of OGFZA is chairing this year’s conference. His wealth of experience in investment promotion and free zone administration will add significant value to the conversations. We are confident that participants will benefit immensely from his insights as stakeholders collectively explore practical strategies for leveraging Special Economic Zones to advance Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations,” Ogbuokiri said.
The MARCON Conference is expected to attract top government officials, regulators, operators, investors, maritime professionals and industry experts who will examine policy options and practical strategies for maximising the benefits of Special Economic Zones in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.
The forum will also provide a platform for robust engagement on investment, trade facilitation, infrastructure development and sustainable maritime growth.
