The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Bamanga Usman Jada, has been honored with the LEADERSHIP CEO of the Year 2024 (Public Sector) award at the 17th Leadership Newspapers Annual Conference and Awards.
The award was conferred at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, 8th April 2025.
Jada earned this recognition for his commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s economic landscape to attract strategic foreign direct investments, spearheading and facilitating the establishment of two new oil and gas free zones as well as his exceptional leadership role in transforming OGFZA into a model for digital governance within Nigeria’s public sector.
The 17th edition of the Leadership AGM which celebrated prominent Nigerians across diverse fields for their achievements and contributions to national development, also celebrated its 20th anniversary
The recognition of Bamanga Usman Jada and OGFZA sets a new standard for visionary leadership in Nigeria’s public sector. This prestigious award underscores Jada’s dynamic leadership in driving reforms within the oil and gas sector.
Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2023, the OGFZA boss has championed initiatives aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, promoting digital governance, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Key milestones under the Jada-led administration in OGFZA include the establishment of LPG Storage Facilities both in Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Rivers State and Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone in Akwa Ibom. Establishment of a CNG conversion and refilling centre in Onne and other laudable projects. Efforts which are reshaping OGFZA’s role and placing Nigeria on the global oil and gas map.
Beyond infrastructure, Jada has steered OGFZA into a digital frontier, leveraging technology to improve operational transparency and investor confidence. This earned the Authority the “Best Federal MDA for Ease of Doing Business Automation” award from PEBEC, while Jada received the “Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award” from Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR).
Jada’s award was one among many, as the event also honored Aliko Dangote (Dangote Group), Nyesom Wike (FCT Minister), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service and several governors, as well as Dr. Adaora Umeoji (Zenith Bank) and others.
With a clear focus on innovation, infrastructure, and investment, Jada is transforming OGFZA into a global investment beacon and redefining excellence in public administration.
