Key points
- President Bola Tinubu has approved new board chairpersons for NIPC and NEPZA.
- Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin will chair NIPC, while Muhammad Hadi Mutallab will lead NEPZA’s governing board.
- The Federal Government says the appointments will strengthen investment promotion, industrialisation and Nigeria’s non-oil export agenda.
Main Story
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new board chairpersons for two of Nigeria’s strategic investment and export institutions as his administration moves to strengthen the country’s industrialisation and non-oil growth agenda.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment announced the appointments in a statement dated July 13, 2026.
Under the new leadership structure, Mrs Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin has been appointed Chairperson of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), while Mr Muhammad Hadi Mutallab will chair the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
The ministry described the appointments as non-political, saying they reflect the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening institutional governance through experienced and competent leadership.
The appointments place both officials at the governance helm of agencies critical to Nigeria’s investment attraction, export processing and special economic zone strategy.
The Issues
Nigeria is under increasing pressure to attract private capital, deepen industrial production and expand non-oil exports as the government seeks to diversify the economy.
For the NIPC, a key challenge remains improving Nigeria’s investment appeal and translating investor interest into sustainable capital inflows and job-creating projects.
NEPZA, meanwhile, plays a central role in developing and regulating export processing and special economic zones.
The performance of both institutions is particularly important as Nigeria seeks to improve its industrial competitiveness and reduce its dependence on crude oil earnings.
Strong governance, accountability and effective policy execution will therefore be critical to delivering measurable results.
What’s Being Said
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment said the appointments demonstrate the government’s focus on strengthening institutions central to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“These appointments are non-political and reflect the Administration’s commitment to strengthening institutional governance through competent and experienced leadership,” the ministry said.
It added that the appointments underscore the government’s commitment to institutions driving “Nigeria’s industrialisation, investment promotion, and non-oil export agenda.”
According to the ministry, the newly constituted boards will provide strategic direction, improve institutional oversight and enhance accountability.
“The constitution of these Boards will provide strategic direction, strengthen institutional oversight, enhance accountability, and support the effective delivery of their statutory mandates,” it said.
What You Should Know
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission is responsible for promoting and coordinating investments in Nigeria and supporting investors seeking opportunities in the country.
NEPZA oversees the development and promotion of Nigeria’s export processing and special economic zones.
According to the ministry, NEPZA’s governing board will provide oversight aimed at advancing the authority’s role in developing these zones.
Both institutions operate under Nigeria’s broader drive to attract investment, increase domestic production and strengthen non-oil exports.
What’s Next
The new chairpersons are expected to provide strategic leadership and strengthen oversight at NIPC and NEPZA.
Attention will be on how the boards support ongoing economic reforms, improve institutional performance and attract greater investment into Nigeria.
The government will also be expected to measure progress in export zone development, investment inflows and non-oil economic growth.
Bottom Line
Tinubu’s latest appointments place fresh leadership at two institutions central to Nigeria’s investment and export strategy.
The bigger test will be whether stronger board oversight at NIPC and NEPZA can translate into new investments, deeper industrialisation and increased non-oil exports under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
