President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin as board chairperson of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and Muhammad Hadi Mutallab as board chairperson of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) announced the appointments on Monday, July 13, 2026, via the presidency's official X (formerly Twitter) account, framing them as part of a deliberate effort to strengthen governance within agencies central to Nigeria's economic growth strategy.
FMITI Statement on New Appointments
In its statement, the ministry said: "The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) is pleased to announce that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has approved the appointment of the board of chairpersons for Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA)." Furthermore, the industry, trade and investment ministry stated that constituting the boards would deliver stronger strategic direction, improved institutional oversight, and greater accountability across both agencies, enabling them to better fulfil their statutory mandates.
Renewed Hope Agenda Drives Decision
FMITI said the appointments reflected the federal government's broader commitment to improving the governance of institutions that carry significant weight in the country's economic transformation agenda. The ministry stated: "The appointments underscore the federal government's commitment to strengthening the governance of strategic institutions that play a critical role in driving Nigeria's industrialisation, investment promotion, and non-oil export agenda." The ministry expressed confidence that collaboration with the newly appointed chairpersons would deepen ongoing reforms, lift institutional performance, attract greater volumes of foreign and domestic investment, and support inclusive economic growth in line with President Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope' agenda.
Non-Political Selections
The ministry described both appointments as "non-political," stating that the selections were designed to bring experienced leadership to institutions responsible for promoting investment, accelerating industrialisation, and growing Nigeria's non-oil export earnings. On NEPZA specifically, the ministry noted that its governing board would provide oversight to help the authority expand and promote Nigeria's export processing and special economic zones.
Broader Context
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu warned that the rise of social media has turned every citizen into a potential publisher, a development he said poses serious risks to truth, national cohesion, and Nigeria's democratic values. Tinubu urged Nigerian editors to champion responsible reporting and resist the growing tide of misinformation that could destabilise the country. The new appointments are seen as part of Tinubu's broader economic strategy to strengthen institutions and attract investment.
