Nigeria can replicate China, UAE success through Special Economic Zones — Maiwada

Stanley Ihedigbo

National Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, has said Nigeria can replicate the remarkable economic success of countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates by effectively developing and managing its Special Economic Zones (SEZs), describing them as critical drivers of industrialisation, investment, exports and sustainable blue economy growth.

Maiwada asserted while delivering a paper at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), held on Thursday at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.

The conference was themed “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to a Sustainable Blue Economy.”
Represented by Chief Superintendent of Customs, Emmanuel Tangwa, the Customs spokesperson said Special Economic Zones have emerged globally as powerful instruments for driving industrial growth, attracting investments and expanding export opportunities.

According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service views the zones as strategic economic assets capable of accelerating national development beyond their traditional role as designated trading areas.

“For the Nigeria Customs Service, these zones are more than designated trading areas—they are gateways to national prosperity. Special Economic Zones have become powerful engines of industrial growth across the world,” he stated.
Maiwada noted that Nigeria possesses enormous potential to maximise the benefits of SEZs through its vast network of seaports, inland waterways, export processing zones and free trade zones, adding that the country’s maritime resources provide a solid foundation for sustainable economic expansion.

He explained that the blue economy extends beyond the utilisation of oceans and waterways, stressing that it encompasses wealth creation, employment generation, trade facilitation, environmental protection and long-term sustainability.

“The blue economy is not merely about our oceans, rivers and ports; it is about creating opportunities, generating employment, facilitating legitimate trade, protecting our marine environment, and ensuring that future generations benefit from the immense wealth of our coastal and maritime resources,” he said.

Drawing lessons from international best practices, Maiwada cited countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates as examples of how well-managed Special Economic Zones have successfully attracted foreign investment, stimulated manufacturing and boosted exports.

He maintained that Nigeria has similar opportunities to leverage its strategic maritime assets to achieve industrial growth, increase competitiveness and strengthen its position in regional and global trade.

Speaking on the role of the Nigeria Customs Service, Maiwada reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining effective border security against smuggling, illicit trade and other transnational crimes.

“Our role is to facilitate legitimate trade through efficient customs procedures while safeguarding our borders against smuggling, illicit trade and other transnational crimes.

“By embracing technology, enhancing stakeholder collaboration and implementing trade facilitation reforms, the Service continues to create an environment where businesses can thrive with confidence,” he stated.

The Customs spokesman emphasised that achieving a sustainable blue economy requires strong collaboration among government agencies, port operators, investors, host communities and the private sector.

He stressed that economic development must be pursued alongside environmental stewardship to ensure that Nigeria’s marine and coastal resources remain productive for future generations.

Maiwada expressed optimism that the deliberations and recommendations from the MARCON Annual Conference would provide practical policy directions for strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sector, enhancing regional competitiveness and promoting sustainable national development.

He commended the organisers for providing a platform for critical discussions on the future of Nigeria’s maritime economy and reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote trade, investment and sustainable economic growth through Special Economic Zones.