President Bola Tinubu has appointed Muhammad Hadi Mutallab as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). NEPZA is responsible for promoting, licensing, regulating and managing Nigeria’s export processing zones, which offer fiscal incentives and investment-friendly policies aimed at enhancing industrial development, job creation and non-oil export earnings.
The entrepreneur, corporate director and investment executive possesses experience spanning banking, oil and gas, logistics, agriculture, real estate and technology.
Mutallab’s appointment comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to position Nigeria’s export processing zones as catalysts for industrialisation, non-oil exports and foreign direct investment.
Entrepreneurial and Finance Background
An entrepreneur by training and practice, Mutallab is the founder of Dattaku Global Investment Limited, an investment company established in 2012. The company reportedly grew from an initial capital of $10,000 to an asset base exceeding $1 million, expanding into sectors including maritime, oil and gas, construction, logistics, finance, real estate and agricultural technology.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Mutallab has been serving as a Non-Executive Director of Jaiz Bank Plc since April 2023. In that capacity, he has focused on supporting the bank’s fintech development strategy and the optimisation of its e-commerce capabilities, reflecting his interest in financial innovation and digital banking.
He also served as Managing Director of Incar Petroleum Nigeria Plc, where he reportedly diversified the company’s operations and increased revenue by about 30% within three years. He also held leadership responsibilities at Equatorial Marine Oil & Gas Ltd, strengthening its logistics and freight partnerships and contributing to a reported 25% increase in revenue over four years.
In agriculture and technology, Mutallab founded Farm To You Naija in January 2023, an agritech platform designed to connect consumers directly with farmers and fresh agricultural produce through technology-enabled solutions. The venture aligns with his broader interest in improving agricultural value chains through digital innovation.
He also established the FTY Innovation Hub, an initiative dedicated to supporting startups across Northern Nigeria through mentorship, funding opportunities, innovation support and product development.
Mutallab’s business interests further extend into real estate, where he has led strategic partnerships that expanded Dattaku Global Investment’s property portfolio while improving project delivery timelines.
Academic Background
Academically, Mutallab studied at Canadian University Dubai, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He graduated with Magna Cum Laude honours in his MBA programme, reflecting strong academic performance in business management.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, he serves on the boards of organisations operating across banking, maritime, logistics, education, real estate and the energy sector, providing corporate governance and strategic oversight.
As Chairman of the NEPZA Board, Mutallab is expected to provide strategic direction for the agency as it works to strengthen Nigeria’s special economic zones, attract investment, boost manufacturing and accelerate export-led economic growth.
