The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Bamanga Jada, recently added another prestigious accolade to his growing collection of awards.
Over the weekend, Jada was honored with the Young Public Official of the Year award by TonCam Communications Limited, the publisher of The Top 10 Magazine.
This award comes after he had bagged the Chief Executive Officer of the Year by the management of LEADERSHIP Newspapers.
He also received the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award in 2024 and under his watch, OGFZA was named the Best Federal MDA for Ease of Doing Business Automation by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms amongst others.
These recognitions underscore his exceptional contributions to public service and his leadership role in the oil and gas sector, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in Nigeria’s energy industry.
Jada, who was represented at the event by OGFZA’s General Manager of Finance, Simon Akpadaka, expressed his gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed his commitment to driving the growth of the oil and gas sector and, by extension, the Nigerian economy.
Appointed by President Bola Tinubu in October 2023, Jada is among the young, elite technocrats entrusted with key positions to advance the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
At 41, the Adamawa State-born technocrat is a symbol of hope, bringing fresh energy and optimism to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Jada’s leadership is marked by innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to inclusive growth.
With a clear vision for transforming the oil and gas industry, he has tackled some of the sector’s most pressing challenges and seized new opportunities to ensure the country’s long-term energy security.
Under his leadership, OGFZA has undergone a period of transformation, with a renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
His seven-point agenda, introduced shortly after his appointment, has guided the administration of OGFZA and set the pace for significant industry advancements.
The seven-point agenda focuses on fostering economic growth, development, and job creation, stating key areas such as efficiency and trust, infrastructure excellence, regulatory modernization, local content empowerment, sustainability, investor focus, and welfare.
These priorities are designed to set the stage for a new era of prosperity for both OGFZA and Nigeria.
A Vision for Economic Transformation
In his short tenure of just eight months, Jada has already achieved remarkable milestones.
He has helped establish new oil and gas-free zones, including the Secured Bunkering Anchorage in Lagos, which facilitates offshore fueling and Ship-to-Ship transfer activities in the Gulf of Guinea and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Additionally, the Orasi Special Energy Zone in Oguta, Imo State, inaugurated by President Tinubu in January 2024, stands as a testament to his vision for revitalizing Nigeria’s energy landscape.
The Orasi Special Energy Zone, the largest of its kind in the country, spans over 140,000 hectares and is rich in gas reserves.
It is set to operate as an international center for gas-based manufacturing and power generation, significantly boosting Nigeria’s energy capacity and creating new economic opportunities.
This zone is expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s quest for energy self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.
With these new initiatives, Jada’s leadership is positioning Nigeria as a critical player in the global energy market.
Under his stewardship, OGFZA has attracted investments totaling over $30 billion, with the potential to create up to three million jobs across the country.
One of the most significant achievements in this regard is the Brass Oil and Gas Free Zone in Bayelsa, which has secured a $3.6 billion investment commitment from the Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical Company.
This ambitious project includes the construction of a gas processing facility, a methanol plant, and an SBA export jetty, generating thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to the nation’s economic development.
A Global Investment Magnet
Jada’s leadership has also brought Nigeria into focus for international investors.
The OGFZA has successfully attracted major International Oil Companies (IOCs) that now operate across the country’s free zones, from the Gulf of Guinea to Angola and South Africa.
These investments are not only injecting vital capital into the economy but also facilitating the transfer of key skills and technology to Nigeria.
Notably, Jada’s vision for sustainable energy has drawn the attention of companies like Alternative Petroleum and Power Limited, which is investing over €8 billion in alternative fuels and green energy projects.
This investment, projected to create 300,000 jobs, aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
In addition, the Onne/Ikpokiri Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State recently saw the launch of a $200 million LPG storage facility with a capacity of 50,000 metric tons. The project is expected to create over one million jobs, further demonstrating the immense potential of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry under Jada’s guidance.
Looking Forward: A Bright Future for Nigeria
As OGFZA continues to expand its reach and influence, Jada’s leadership is laying the foundation for a more prosperous, energy-secure Nigeria.
His relentless commitment to transparency, innovation, and growth has set the stage for a transformative journey that could redefine the nation’s role in the global energy landscape.
With his ongoing efforts to modernize the oil and gas industry and create new opportunities for investment and job creation, Jada is not just earning accolades; he is cementing his legacy as one of the most dynamic leaders in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The feathers on Jada’s cap are a testament to his hard work, vision, and dedication to shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.
As the nation moves closer to realising its full potential in the global energy arena, Jada’s influence will continue to be felt across the industry and beyond.
