By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has announced tougher enforcement measures against illegal container importation and other regulatory violations within Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones.
The Authority said the new measures would include intensified inspections, closer scrutiny of documentation and coordinated enforcement with relevant government agencies.
NEPZA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday by the Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Martins Odeh.
Ogunyemi stressed that compliance with regulations governing activities within the Free Trade Zones was mandatory, describing operating licences as legal instruments that come with clear obligations for zone operators.
He said the Authority was tightening its enforcement posture with immediate effect in response to allegations of illegal importation of containers into controlled areas.
According to him, operators who circumvent lawful import and export procedures, misdeclare goods or attempt to move containers through unauthorised channels will face regulatory action under the law.
The NEPZA boss said the measures were intended to protect the integrity of the Free Trade Zone system, safeguard public interest and ensure a level playing field for businesses operating legitimately.
He warned that illegal importation could undermine lawful commerce, expose communities to unregulated goods and weaken public confidence in the regulatory system.
Ogunyemi, however, emphasised that NEPZA would continue to handle regulatory matters with fairness, justice and transparency.
He said operators found culpable would be made to face the consequences prescribed by Nigerian law, while businesses that are not involved in violations should be allowed to continue their legitimate operations without unnecessary disruption.
According to him, the majority of operators within the sector conduct their businesses responsibly, fulfil their obligations and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
“The unlawful actions of a small minority must not be allowed to overshadow, discredit, or obstruct the achievements of the compliant majority,” he said.
Ogunyemi added that NEPZA’s strengthened enforcement efforts were targeted at operators who breach established rules and not at businesses that comply with the law.
He also encouraged operators and Free Trade Zone authorities to strengthen internal monitoring and “self-police” their activities to prevent violations.
The NEPZA chief executive further noted that the Free Trade Zone scheme continues to generate significant revenue for the Federal Government.
He urged the government, its agencies and legitimate operators to work together to protect the integrity of the scheme and prevent the activities of a minority from undermining the achievements of compliant businesses.
