The Nigeria Economic Zones Association (NEZA) has commended the Managing Directors of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) for their call for a 10 year moratorium before the implementation of the National Tax Policy (NTA) within Nigeria’s Free Zones.
In a statement issued by the NEZA Executive Secretary, Mr. Toyin Elegbede, the association described the position as bold, forward thinking and timely, noting that it aligns with NEZA’s earlier concerns as contained in its official press release of September 1, 2025.
Elegbede reiterated that the abrupt implementation of the NTA without a clearly defined transitional framework would be counterproductive, warning that it could trigger capital flight and discourage prospective investors from participating in the Free Zone scheme.
According to NEZA, the proposed 10 year moratorium would serve as a strategic buffer, allowing for policy harmonisation, meaningful investor engagement, regulatory clarity and the development of a globally competitive incentives framework tailored to zone based enterprises.
The association urged NEPZA and OGFZA to sustain their collaborative advocacy efforts to preserve the integrity of the Free Zone scheme, while reaffirming NEZA’s commitment to working with all relevant authorities to ensure that no policy undermines the competitiveness and long term sustainability of Nigeria’s Free Zones.
