Tinubu Appoints Kola-Oyeneyin, Mutallab to Lead NIPC, NEPZA Boards

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin and Muhammad Hadi Mutallab as chairpersons of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority boards.

Kola-Oyeneyin will chair the NIPC board, while Mutallab will lead the NEPZA board. The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment announced the appointments on Monday, July 13, 2026. The announcement was also published through the Nigerian Presidency’s official communication channel.

The appointments place two private-sector professionals at the leadership of agencies responsible for attracting investment, developing special economic zones and supporting Nigeria’s non-oil economy.

According to the ministry, the appointments are non-political and form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve governance, accountability and strategic direction across important economic institutions.

New Leaders to Oversee Key Investment Agencies

The government expects the newly appointed chairpersons to provide oversight and strategic guidance while supporting the management teams of both agencies.

NIPC serves as Nigeria’s primary investment promotion agency. It promotes the country as an investment destination, assists domestic and foreign investors and coordinates investment-related activities involving different government agencies.

NEPZA regulates and promotes Nigeria’s free trade zones and special economic zones. Its responsibilities include licensing zone operators, supervising their activities and facilitating local and foreign investments into approved zones.

The performance of both institutions has direct implications for manufacturers, exporters, foreign investors and companies seeking incentives to establish operations in Nigeria.

Strong governance at the agencies could help reduce delays, improve investor confidence and create clearer processes for companies entering Nigeria or operating within special economic zones.

Who Is Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin?

Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin is a business transformation executive with more than 25 years of experience working with financial institutions, governments, regulators and investors across Africa.

She is the founder and managing partner of Augmentum Advisory, a business advisory firm focused on technology-driven transformation, capital mobilisation and the execution of large-scale projects.

Before establishing the company, she worked at McKinsey & Company, where she served as a partner and led the firm’s payments practice across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa between 2017 and 2023.

Her professional experience covers several African markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Guinea, The Gambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kola-Oyeneyin also serves as an independent non-executive director at MTN Nigeria. She holds a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida.

Her experience in finance, technology and institutional transformation could support NIPC’s efforts to modernise its investment facilitation processes and strengthen engagement with international investors.

Muhammad Hadi Mutallab to Chair NEPZA Board

Muhammad Hadi Mutallab has business and investment experience across oil and gas, maritime services, logistics, construction, finance, real estate and agricultural technology.

He founded Dattaku Global Investment Limited in 2012 and has held leadership positions in companies operating in the petroleum and maritime sectors.

Mutallab previously served as managing director of Incar Petroleum Nigeria Plc, where he worked on expanding the company’s operations and revenue base. He also worked with Equatorial Marine Oil and Gas Limited, contributing to the company’s logistics and freight activities.

In the agricultural technology sector, he founded Farm to You Limited, a platform created to connect consumers with agricultural produce. He also established the FTY Innovation Hub to provide funding, mentorship and product development support to startups in northern Nigeria.

His experience across logistics, energy and entrepreneurship may be particularly relevant to NEPZA’s role in developing industrial zones that can attract manufacturers and export-oriented companies.

Why the Appointments Matter to Businesses

Nigeria is working to attract more private capital as businesses continue to face high operating costs, infrastructure shortages, regulatory uncertainty and foreign exchange pressures.

NIPC is expected to help investors navigate government approvals and identify opportunities across sectors. NEPZA, on the other hand, oversees zones designed to offer companies infrastructure, simplified regulations and investment incentives.

The effectiveness of the new board leaders will therefore be measured by their ability to support investment reforms, improve transparency and help both agencies deliver measurable economic results.

For NIPC, the priorities are likely to include improving investor services, strengthening investment data, reducing administrative bottlenecks and converting investment announcements into operational projects.

At NEPZA, attention will likely focus on the performance of existing free zones, the development of new industrial clusters and the ability of the zones to increase manufacturing, exports and employment.

The appointments may signal a stronger government focus on using private-sector expertise to manage institutions at the centre of Nigeria’s industrialisation and investment strategy.

However, their impact will depend on whether the boards receive enough authority and institutional support to address the regulatory and infrastructure challenges affecting investors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new chairperson of the NIPC board?

President Bola Tinubu appointed Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin as chairperson of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission board.

Who was appointed NEPZA board chairperson?

Muhammad Hadi Mutallab was appointed chairperson of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority board.

What does NIPC do?

NIPC promotes and coordinates investments in Nigeria. It also provides information, guidance and support to domestic and foreign investors.

What is NEPZA responsible for?

NEPZA develops, licenses, regulates and supervises Nigeria’s free trade zones and special economic zones.

Why are the appointments important?

The two agencies play major roles in attracting investment, supporting industrial development and expanding Nigeria’s non-oil exports. Their board leadership can influence regulatory efficiency, investor confidence and institutional accountability.