The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority has hailed its managing director, Olufemi Ogunyemi, for receiving the United States Congressional Commendation Award.

In a statement on Tuesday, NEPZA described the award as a recognition of Mr Ogunyemi’s transformative leadership of Nigeria’s free trade zones scheme.

Since assuming office two years ago, Mr Ogunyemi has been honoured for his commitment to transparency, probity, and strict adherence to due process in resource management and corporate governance.

The award was jointly presented by Rosalyn Henderson-Myers of South Carolina and Dee Dawkins-Haigler of Georgia, facilitated by the Africa Leadership Organisation, and was presented at the 2025 Africa Leadership Awards held at the House of Lords in London.

NEPZA described the accolade as a global recognition of Mr Ogunyemi’s strategic repositioning of the Authority and his significant role in attracting foreign direct investments into Nigeria’s special economic zones.

It affirmed that Mr Ogunyemi’s performance validated his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

A medical doctor by training, Mr Ogunyemi has demonstrated competence in diplomacy, business administration, and political economy. This has helped him navigate the global competition for investments in Nigeria’s economic zones, according to the statement.

He has represented Nigeria at key international platforms, including the World Free Zones Organisation in Dubai and the Africa Economic Zones Organisation in Nairobi.

He also participated in the International Conference on Financing Investment and Trade in Africa, held in Tunis.

During this period, Mr Ogunyemi was elected to the board of the World Trade Zones Organisation and the Steering Committee of AEZO, underscoring Nigeria’s growing role in global trade zone governance. 

(NAN)