Tinubu makes new board appointments

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com 08034905774

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs. Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin as the new Board Chairperson of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and Mr. Muhammad Hadi Mutallab as the Board Chairperson of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s investment climate and accelerating industrial growth.

The appointments were announced by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) in a statement shared through the Presidency’s official communication channels. According to the ministry, the appointments reflect the Tinubu administration’s commitment to reinforcing governance in key economic institutions responsible for attracting investment, promoting exports and driving industrial development.

Mrs. Kola-Oyeneyin, an accomplished strategy and business transformation expert with extensive experience in consulting and economic development, will lead the board of the NIPC, the federal agency responsible for promoting and coordinating investments into Nigeria. Her appointment is expected to support the government’s efforts to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI), improve investor confidence and enhance the country’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

Similarly, Mr. Muhammad Hadi Mutallab has been appointed to chair the board of NEPZA, the agency responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s export processing and free trade zones. His leadership is expected to strengthen policies that encourage manufacturing, exports, industrialisation and job creation through the country’s special economic zones.

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment described both appointments as merit-based and non-political, noting that the administration is focused on placing experienced professionals in strategic positions to improve institutional performance and deliver on Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.

The appointments come at a time when the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to diversify the economy, expand non-oil exports and attract greater domestic and international investment. Through agencies such as NIPC and NEPZA, the government hopes to stimulate industrial production, improve the ease of doing business and position Nigeria as a preferred destination for global investors.

Economic analysts believe the appointments could provide fresh momentum for investment promotion and export-led growth, particularly as Nigeria seeks to leverage its large consumer market, strategic location and ongoing economic reforms to compete more effectively for global capital.

The new board chairpersons are expected to work closely with the management of both agencies and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to deepen investor engagement, strengthen institutional governance and support the Tinubu administration’s broader vision of sustainable economic growth, industrial expansion and increased employment opportunities.