FREE ZONES DRIVE $500m EXPORTS, CREATE 20,000 JOBS — FG
The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria’s free trade and special economic zones generated over $500 million in export earnings and created more than 20,000 direct jobs in 2025, marking a significant boost to the country’s industrial and export-driven growth.
The disclosure was made by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which said the performance reflects renewed focus on industrialisation, investment promotion, and non-oil exports.
According to the government, businesses operating within the economic and free zones contributed substantially to manufactured exports, particularly in agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and light manufacturing. Officials noted that the zones have continued to attract both local and foreign investors due to improved infrastructure, regulatory incentives, and streamlined business processes.
The FG stated that beyond export earnings, the zones have played a key role in job creation, providing employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians, especially youths and skilled workers. Indirect jobs were also generated through logistics, supply chains, and supporting services linked to zone-based industries.
Authorities attributed the growth to policy reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, enhanced security around industrial clusters, and partnerships with the private sector to expand zone capacity and productivity.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the free zones programme, describing it as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. Plans are underway to expand existing zones and develop new ones across strategic locations in the country to further increase exports, attract foreign direct investment, and reduce reliance on oil revenue.
The FG also assured investors of continued support through stable policies, infrastructure development, and incentives designed to make Nigeria’s economic zones more competitive within Africa and globally.
