The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority has announced tighter enforcement against the alleged illegal importation of containers into Free Trade Zones, warning operators involved in unlawful transactions to face penalties under Nigerian law.
The Authority said the move would involve intensified inspections, closer scrutiny of import and export documents and coordinated enforcement with relevant government agencies.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Olufemi Ogunyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Martins Odeh, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ogunyemi said the operating licence issued to Free Trade Zone operators was not merely a permit to conduct business but a legal obligation to comply with the rules governing the zones.
He said, “Effective immediately, the Authority is tightening its enforcement posture against the allegations of illegal importation of containers into our controlled spaces.
“This includes intensified inspections, closer scrutiny of documentation, coordinated action with partner enforcement agencies, and the full application of penalties provided under the law.
“Operators who circumvent lawful import and export procedures, mis-declare goods, or attempt to move containers through unauthorised channels should be in no doubt that such conduct will be identified and met with decisive regulatory action.”
The warning comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen controls around the country’s trade and investment corridors while promoting the Free Trade Zone scheme as a platform for manufacturing, exports, investment and job creation.
The free zone regime allows approved businesses to operate under specific customs and fiscal arrangements designed to encourage investment and facilitate international trade. Operators, however, are required to comply with the conditions of their licences and the regulations governing activities within the zones.
Ogunyemi said NEPZA’s latest measures were aimed at protecting legitimate businesses and preventing unlawful activities from undermining confidence in the scheme.
He said, “Illegal importation undermines lawful commerce, exposes communities to unregulated goods, and erodes public confidence. We will not permit it to continue unchecked.”
The NEPZA boss stressed that the Authority would apply its rules fairly, insisting that businesses not implicated in wrongdoing should not suffer because of the actions of a minority.
He said operators found culpable would face the consequences prescribed by law, while those cleared of wrongdoing would be allowed to continue their operations.
He said, “The Authority has always handled its regulatory issues with fairness, justice, and transparency.
Operators found culpable should face the consequences of Nigerian law, adding that entities not involved or implicated must be swiftly allowed to continue their operations in the sustainment of the economy and fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Ogunyemi said the majority of businesses operating in the zones remained compliant and continued to contribute to economic activity, stressing that enforcement should not create a perception that all operators were under suspicion.
He said, “The diligence and integrity of the majority of our operators deserve recognition, not suspicion.
“The unlawful actions of a small minority must not be allowed to overshadow, discredit, or obstruct the achievements of the compliant majority. Our strengthened enforcement is directed precisely at those who break the rules, not at the many who uphold them.
“We remain fully committed to supporting, facilitating, and championing the businesses that operate within the law. I have also advised and encouraged the zones, directly and through their association, to self-police.”
He added that the Free Trade Zone scheme continued to generate revenue for the government, urging the Authority, government agencies and operators to protect its reputation.
Ogunyemi said alleged unlawful activities by a few operators should not be allowed to undermine the achievements of businesses complying with the rules or damage confidence in the scheme.
NEPZA has previously faced concerns over alleged abuse of the free zone regime, including the diversion of goods into the domestic market and the use of the zones to circumvent customs and other regulatory requirements. Such activities can undermine legitimate businesses operating under the scheme and deprive the government of revenue.
The latest enforcement warning therefore comes as the Authority seeks to tighten oversight of activities within the controlled areas and ensure that the incentives granted to free zone operators are not used for activities outside the purpose of the scheme. It also follows the Authority’s renewed emphasis on compliance, documentation and cooperation with other enforcement agencies in monitoring the movement of goods into and out of the zones.
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