The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has warned operators in the country’s Free Trade Zones against violating regulations governing transactions within the secured marketplace.
The Authority said it was tightening its enforcement measures against alleged illegal importation of containers into controlled spaces, stressing that compliance with established rules was mandatory.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, stated this in a statement issued by the Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Martins Odeh, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ogunyemi said the free trade zone operating licence was a legal instrument that imposed obligations on operators and formed the basis for maintaining a fair and transparent global marketplace.
He said the intensified enforcement would involve increased inspections, closer scrutiny of documentation, coordinated action with partner enforcement agencies and full application of penalties prescribed by 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,” he said.
According to him, the measures are aimed at protecting the integrity of NEPZA’s systems, safeguarding public interest, ensuring a level playing field and upholding the standards required by legitimate businesses.
“Illegal importation undermines lawful commerce, exposes communities to unregulated goods, and erodes public confidence. We will not permit it to continue unchecked,” Ogunyemi said.
He, however, assured operators that NEPZA would continue to handle regulatory matters with fairness, justice and transparency.
The NEPZA boss said operators found culpable would face the consequences of the law, while businesses not involved in any wrongdoing should be allowed to continue their operations without unnecessary disruption.
He said this was necessary to sustain economic activities and support the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ogunyemi noted that the majority of operators in the Free Trade Zones conduct their businesses 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.
“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 added that NEPZA remained committed to supporting and facilitating businesses that operate within the law, urging the zones and their association to strengthen self-policing mechanisms.
Ogunyemi further said the Free Trade Zone scheme continued to generate significant revenue for the government, urging the Federal Government, its agencies and operators to ensure that the alleged activities of a minority did not undermine the achievements of the wider sector.
