NEPZA urges EU to integrate Nigeria Special Economic Zones into European value chains to boost trade, industrialisation, and investment flows

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority has called on the European Union to integrate Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones into European value chains to enhance economic growth, industrialisation, and bilateral trade.

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Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Olufemi Ogunyemi, made the appeal on Monday at a trade and investment facilitation meeting held at the European House in Abuja.

Addressing European ambassadors, heads of delegation from EU member states, and officials of the European Commission and the European External Action Service, Olufemi Ogunyemi highlighted the strategic role of Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones in expanding EU–Africa economic cooperation amid global economic realignment.

“It is a privilege to address this distinguished gathering at this critical moment in global economic history. Our discussion today examines how Nigeria’s Free Zones, under NEPZA’s strategic framework, can serve as effective platforms to enhance EU–Nigeria economic cooperation amid significant structural change,” he said.

Ogunyemi emphasised that shifting geopolitical pressures and supply chain disruptions make Nigeria’s economic zones an opportunity for Europe to diversify its partnerships.

“As the global order shifts from a predictable, rules-based system to one shaped by shifting alliances and economic pressures, the European Union should increasingly leverage Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones to expand and deepen our existing economic partnership,” he stated.

He noted that recent EU policy directions stress economic resilience, strategic autonomy, and diversified supply chains, aligning closely with Nigeria’s free zone framework.

According to Ogunyemi, increased European activity in Nigeria’s SEZs would reduce concentration risks, safeguard critical supply chains, and attract investment into West Africa’s fast-growing markets.

Highlighting trade imbalances, the NEPZA chief said Africa remains heavily reliant on raw material exports, limiting industrial growth and human capital development.

He suggested that investment in Nigeria’s SEZs could promote manufacturing, processing, and export-oriented industries, driving job creation and technology transfer.

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The meeting was attended by ambassadors of European countries, heads of EU member state delegations, and officials from the European Commission and the European External Action Service.