Stakeholders set for MARCON Conference as OGFZA CEO Chairs Blue Economy Summit

Stanley Ihedigbo

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Usman Bamanga Jada, is set to chair the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), as industry leaders, policymakers and investors converge to explore the transformative role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.

The conference, scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026, will centre on the theme: “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy.” The event is expected to provide a strategic platform for robust discussions on how Nigeria can leverage Special Economic Zones to accelerate industrialisation, attract local and foreign investments, promote trade, create jobs and unlock the enormous economic opportunities within the nation’s maritime sector.

The decision to appoint Jada as chairman of the conference reflects the strategic importance of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority in driving investment, industrial development and economic diversification. Under his leadership, OGFZA has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate through reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s oil and gas free zones.

As the statutory regulator and promoter of Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones, OGFZA has emerged as one of the country’s foremost investment promotion agencies, attracting significant investments into the energy sector while supporting industrial expansion, technology transfer and employment generation.

The Authority has also continued to implement investor-friendly policies that encourage export-oriented industrialisation, boost local content development and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader economic growth objectives.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Chairman of the MARCON Conference Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, described OGFZA as a critical institution whose achievements clearly demonstrate the value of Special Economic Zones in driving sustainable economic development.

According to him, the Authority’s track record in attracting investments and supporting industrial growth aligns perfectly with the conference theme and offers valuable lessons for stakeholders seeking to harness the opportunities within Nigeria’s blue economy.

“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 stated.

The conference is expected to attract a distinguished audience, including senior government officials, regulators, maritime operators, investors, policymakers, academics and industry experts.

Participants will deliberate on policy reforms, investment opportunities, infrastructure development, trade facilitation and innovative strategies for maximising the economic benefits of Special Economic Zones while promoting sustainable maritime development.

Organisers say the conference will further strengthen collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders, encourage knowledge sharing and generate actionable recommendations capable of positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime and investment hub in Africa.

With growing global attention on the blue economy as a major driver of sustainable development, the MARCON Annual Conference is expected to contribute significantly to shaping policies that will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness, stimulate inclusive economic growth and fully harness the country’s vast maritime resources for national prosperity.