The Awolowo family on Thursday confirmed the passing of Olusegun Awolowo Jr., National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office (NACO). He died at the age of 62.
In a statement issued by the family, Awolowo was remembered as a devoted public servant and a cherished family man whose life of service and humility left a lasting mark on many.
“He dedicated his life to the service of his country with vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment. He was a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being,” the family said.
“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, legacy and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Awolowo, grandson of the late statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, served three Nigerian presidents—Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari—in various advisory and leadership roles.
He previously headed the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and, in 2021, was unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) of ECOWAS member states.
In his reaction, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described Awolowo’s death as a “deeply profound personal loss.”
“It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the decision of the Almighty God,” the governor said. “His earthly sojourn may have been brief, but it was hugely impactful.”
Awolowo’s educational journey began at Mayhill Convent School before he proceeded to Igbobi College, Yaba, and later completed his secondary education at Government College, Ibadan. He earned an LLB degree from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) and began his legal career at Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and GOK Ajayi & Co. before establishing his own firm.
His public service career spanned multiple administrations. Under President Obasanjo, he served as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions and Legal Matters. During the Yar’Adua administration, he worked at the Federal Capital Territory Administration as Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport. He later led the NEPC from 2013 to 2021.
Appointed by former President Buhari, Awolowo steered Nigeria’s AfCFTA implementation efforts as secretary of the National Action Committee and, subsequently, as national coordinator of NACO until his passing.
His passion for expanding Nigeria’s non-oil economy led to the development of the Zero Oil Plan, an initiative aimed at boosting value-added exports, strengthening foreign exchange earnings and supporting job creation by shifting the country away from raw material exports.
Awolowo is remembered not only for his public service but also for his commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation and his belief in the country’s potential to thrive through non-oil exports.
