Special Economic Zones in the OIC Region:
Learning from Experience
150
Figure 38 - Nigeria Exports of Goods and Services (current $ Bn)
Source: World Bank (2017) World Bank Open Data. Available from:
While much of this can be attributed to investment in the oil sector and exports of oil, there is
also a strong likelihood, particularly between 2010-2015, that the Free Zone programme has
contributed to higher levels of investment and exports. This can be demonstrated by the
growing contribution of manufacturing in the country (see figure below) – a focus area of the
Free Zone programme.
Figure 39 - Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)
Source: World Bank (2017) World Bank Open Data. Available from
0.00
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40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
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1960196219641966196819701972197419761978198019821984198619881990199219941996199820002002200420062008201020122014
Passing of Free Zone Law
Opening of Lekki Free Zone
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0
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Passing of Free Zone Law
Opening of Lekki Free Zone