The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) and its Managing Director/CEO, Bamanga Usman Jada, have been honored with two prestigious awards for their outstanding contributions to digital transformation and leadership within the public sector. OGFZA was named the “Best Federal MDA for Ease of Doing Business Automation,” while Jada received the “Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award” at a ceremony in Abuja on October 11, 2024.
The awards, presented by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) following a two-day conference themed “Digital Innovations as a Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda,” underscore OGFZA’s trailblazing role in streamlining business operations in Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones. The BPSR Director-General, Mr. Dasuki Arabi, lauded the Authority’s automation efforts, which have significantly improved the ease of doing business and attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country.
The recognition also celebrates Bamanga Usman Jada’s leadership in transforming OGFZA into a model for digital governance within Nigeria’s public sector. Represented at the event by Barr. Obi Agusiobo, the Authority’s Legal Adviser and General Manager/Head of the Legal Department, Jada’s award acknowledges his visionary efforts in advancing GovTech initiatives, which have aligned OGFZA with the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda.
Bamanga Usman Jada: A Proven Leader in Public Sector Innovation
Appointed as Managing Director and CEO of OGFZA by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2023, Bamanga Usman Jada has rapidly distinguished himself as a key figure in Nigeria’s public sector reform efforts. Born on March 2, 1983, in Jada Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Jada boasts a strong academic background and extensive experience in civil service administration, financial procedures, and public sector governance.
Jada’s academic journey includes a B.Sc. in Economics from the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and an M.Sc. in Oil and Gas Operations Management from the University of Central Lancashire, UK. He also holds an MBA in Marketing from Nasarawa State University. His career began with a role at Ecobank PLC, followed by positions at the Nigerian Energy Commission in both the Finance and Projects Departments. His leadership credentials were further solidified when he served as the Personal Assistant to the Director-General of the Energy Commission, and later as Personal Assistant to the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
Jada is affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, UK, and is a Fellow of the Public Institute of Diplomacy and Management, Nigeria. His background in finance, logistics, and diplomacy has proven instrumental in reshaping OGFZA’s operations.
Jada’s Leadership Achievements: A Scorecard of Success
Since taking the helm at OGFZA, Bamanga Usman Jada has led a series of impactful initiatives that have bolstered Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and enhanced the nation’s global competitiveness. His key achievements include:
Establishment of New Oil and Gas Free Zones: Under Jada’s leadership, OGFZA has expanded its reach by establishing new free zones, which have become hubs for oil and gas operations, driving economic growth and job creation.
Attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Through strategic reforms and business-friendly policies, OGFZA has successfully attracted significant FDI into Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones, further enhancing the nation’s economic outlook.
Groundbreaking of Major LPG Facilities: Jada spearheaded the groundbreaking of a 20,000 MT Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) facility in Akwa Ibom State and a 50,000 MT LPG facility in Onne, Rivers State. These projects are set to boost Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and supply capacity.
Recognition at PEBEC Awards: OGFZA’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s business environment was recognized at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Awards, where the Authority was commended for its progressive reforms.
Best Federal MDA for Ease of Doing Business Automation: The recent BPSR award, recognizing OGFZA’s digital innovations, is a testament to the Authority’s ongoing efforts to streamline processes and make Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones more accessible and efficient for both local and international investors.
OGFZA’s Impact on Nigeria’s Economy
With Jada at the helm, OGFZA has evolved into a critical driver of economic growth within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The Authority’s focus on digital innovation and ease of doing business has played a key role in attracting investors, creating jobs, and ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in the global energy market.
The dual awards received by OGFZA and its Managing Director, Bamanga Usman Jada, underscore the transformative impact of their efforts. Jada’s leadership and vision have not only enhanced the operations of the Authority but have also aligned OGFZA with national economic goals, positioning it as a model of excellence within the Nigerian public sector.
As OGFZA continues to expand its reach and drive innovation, the Authority’s success story serves as a blueprint for other federal agencies seeking to modernize and improve service delivery. Jada’s commitment to public service and his strategic leadership remain at the core of OGFZA’s achievements, contributing to Nigeria’s broader vision of digital governance and sustainable economic development.
