Free Zones Generate $500m Exports, Create 20,000 Jobs

Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones generated over $500 million in export revenue and created more than 20,000 direct jobs in the past year, according to a government performance review.

The report highlighted the growing role of free zones as drivers of export-led growth, industrial expansion, and employment generation, supported by policy reforms and improved coordination among regulatory agencies.

Non-oil exports recorded strong growth during the period, driven by agricultural products, manufactured goods, and value-added commodities, contributing to a significant trade surplus.

The review attributed the improved performance to reforms in export processes, enhanced logistics, investor engagement, and capacity-building initiatives for exporters and farmers.

Thousands of exporters were trained, small businesses certified for international trade, and farmers supported with improved seedlings to boost productivity and competitiveness.

Inclusive trade programmes were also expanded, with grants awarded to women-led enterprises to strengthen participation in export markets.

On investment attraction, the report noted progress on several high-value projects, alongside renewed bilateral engagements aimed at restoring investor confidence and improving deal quality.

The government said it would build on the gains recorded by focusing on execution, export acceleration, and sustained investment to drive job creation and shared prosperity.