The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has reaffirmed that compliance with regulations governing operations in the nation’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs) remains mandatory, while announcing stricter enforcement measures against the alleged illegal importation of containers into the zones.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, said the Authority would intensify efforts to curb unlawful activities that undermine the integrity of the FTZ scheme.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Martins Odeh, PhD, Assistant Director and Head of Corporate Communications, NEPZA, Ogunyemi said the Authority would immediately adopt a tougher enforcement posture, including intensified inspections, stricter scrutiny of documentation, closer collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies, and full application of sanctions prescribed by law.
He warned that operators who circumvent approved import and export procedures, misdeclare goods, or move containers through unauthorised channels would face decisive regulatory action.
Ogunyemi said the measures were aimed at protecting the integrity of NEPZA’s systems, safeguarding public interest, ensuring fair competition, and maintaining standards required for legitimate business operations.
He noted that illegal importation undermines lawful commerce, exposes communities to unregulated goods and weakens public confidence in the system.
The NEPZA boss, however, stressed that the Authority would continue to handle regulatory matters with fairness, justice and transparency.
He said operators found culpable of violating regulations should face the consequences prescribed by Nigerian law, while businesses not implicated in any wrongdoing should be allowed to continue their operations without disruption.
Ogunyemi added that the majority of operators within the Free Trade Zone scheme conduct their businesses responsibly, meet regulatory obligations and contribute significantly to economic growth.
He said the actions of a few non-compliant operators should not be allowed to tarnish the reputation or achievements of the larger number of law-abiding businesses in the sector.
According to him, the strengthened enforcement drive is targeted at violators and not compliant operators, whom the Authority remains committed to supporting.
He also disclosed that NEPZA had encouraged Free Trade Zone operators, both directly and through their association, to strengthen internal monitoring mechanisms and promote self-regulation.
Ogunyemi further stated that the FTZ scheme continues to generate significant revenue for the government, adding that stakeholders must ensure that the alleged activities of a minority do not undermine the successes recorded by the sector.
