The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has announced an immediate tightening of enforcement against the alleged illegal importation of containers into free trade zones, warning operators who violate import and export procedures to expect decisive regulatory action.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Martins Odeh, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ogunyemi said the Authority would intensify inspections, scrutinise documentation more closely, coordinate enforcement activities with partner agencies and apply penalties prescribed by law to operators found culpable.
He warned operators against circumventing lawful import and export procedures, mis declaring goods or moving containers through unauthorised channels.
“Effective immediately, the Authority is tightening its enforcement posture against the allegations of illegal importation of containers into our controlled spaces,” Ogunyemi said.
He said the measures were aimed at protecting the integrity of NEPZA’s systems, safeguarding public interest, ensuring a level playing field and upholding standards on which legitimate businesses depend.
According to him, illegal importation undermines lawful commerce, exposes communities to unregulated goods and erodes public confidence.
“We will not permit it to continue unchecked,” he said.
Ogunyemi, however, stressed that NEPZA would continue to handle regulatory matters with fairness, justice and transparency, adding that operators found culpable would face the consequences of the law.
He said businesses and entities not involved in any violations should be allowed to continue their operations without unnecessary disruption, in order to sustain economic activities and support the objectives of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The NEPZA chief also appealed to operators in the zones to strengthen self-regulation, noting that the majority of businesses operating in the sector conduct their activities honestly, meet their obligations and contribute to a well-regulated trade environment.
“The diligence and integrity of the majority of our operators deserve recognition, not suspicion,” he said.
Ogunyemi maintained that the alleged unlawful activities of a minority should not be allowed to overshadow or discredit compliant operators.
“Our strengthened enforcement is directed precisely at those who break the rules, not at the many who uphold them,” he said.
He assured compliant businesses of NEPZA’s continued support, saying the Authority remained committed to facilitating and promoting businesses that operate within the law.
The NEPZA boss also said he had advised operators and their association to strengthen self policing mechanisms within the free trade zones.
He added that the scheme continued to generate significant revenue for the government, stressing that the Federal Government, its agencies and operators must work together to prevent the alleged misconduct of a few from undermining the achievements of the wider sector.
