The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has announced a tougher enforcement regime against illegal container importation and other regulatory violations within the country’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs).
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja by the Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Martins Odeh.
Ogunyemi said strict compliance with regulations governing transactions within the secured marketplace was mandatory, stressing that a Free Trade Zone operating licence was a legal instrument that carried obligations for operators.
He said the Authority was, with immediate effect, tightening its enforcement posture against alleged illegal importation of containers into its controlled spaces.
According to him, the new measures would involve intensified inspections, closer scrutiny of documentation, coordinated action with partner enforcement agencies and the full application of penalties provided under Nigerian 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,” Ogunyemi said.
He explained that the measures were designed to protect the integrity of NEPZA’s systems, safeguard public interest, ensure a level playing field and uphold the standards on which legitimate businesses depend.
“Illegal importation undermines lawful commerce, exposes communities to unregulated goods, and erodes public confidence. We will not permit it to continue unchecked,” he said.
The NEPZA chief executive, however, stressed that the Authority would continue to handle regulatory matters with fairness, justice and transparency.
He said operators found culpable of violating the law should face the consequences, while entities not involved or implicated in any infractions should be swiftly allowed to continue their legitimate operations.
According to him, this approach was necessary to sustain economic activity and support the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ogunyemi noted that the overwhelming majority of operators in the Free Trade Zones conducted their businesses honestly, met their obligations and contributed meaningfully to a thriving and well-regulated trade environment.
“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,” he said.
He assured compliant businesses that NEPZA remained committed to supporting, facilitating and championing enterprises that operated within the law.
Ogunyemi also urged the zones to strengthen their internal monitoring mechanisms, saying he had advised and encouraged them, directly and through their association, to self-police.
He added that the Free Trade Zone scheme continued to generate significant revenue for the government, stressing that the Federal Government, its agencies and operators must not allow the alleged activities of a minority to undermine the successes recorded by the majority.
The Authority said the strengthened enforcement measures were part of efforts to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s Free Trade Zone system and maintain a secure and transparent environment for legitimate businesses.
