Free Trade Zones: NEPZA Tightens Enforcement Against Illegal Importation

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has tightened enforcement against illegal importation and other regulatory breaches in Free Trade Zones (FTZs).

The Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, announced this in a statement by the Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Martins Odeh, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ogunyemi said strict compliance with regulations guiding transactions within the secured marketplace was mandatory for all Free Trade Zone operators.

He said the operating licence was a legal instrument of obligation and foundation for maintaining a fair and transparent global marketplace.

“Effective immediately, the Authority is tightening its enforcement posture against the allegations of illegal importation of containers into our controlled spaces,” he said.

He said the measures would include intensified inspections, closer scrutiny of documentation and coordinated action with partner enforcement agencies.

Ogunyemi said NEPZA would also apply penalties provided under the law against operators found violating established procedures.

He warned operators against circumventing lawful import and export procedures, mis-declaration of goods or moving containers through unauthorised channels.

“Operators who circumvent lawful import and export procedures, mis-declare goods, or attempt to move containers through unauthorised channels would be in no doubt that such conduct shall be identified,” he said.

The managing director said the measures were aimed at protecting the integrity of NEPZA’s systems, safeguarding public interest and ensuring a level playing field.

Ogunyemi said illegal importation undermined lawful commerce, exposed communities to unregulated goods and eroded public confidence.

“Illegal importation undermines lawful commerce, exposes communities to unregulated goods, and erodes public confidence. We will not permit it to continue unchecked.”

“The Authority will continue handling regulatory issues with fairness, justice and transparency.”

“Operators found culpable will face the consequences of Nigerian law, while uninvolved entities will be allowed to continue their operations,” he said.

According to Ogunyemi, the majority of operators conducted their businesses honestly, met their obligations and contributed meaningfully to a well-regulated trade environment.

“The unlawful actions of a small minority must not be allowed to overshadow, discredit, or obstruct the achievements of the compliant majority.”

“The strengthened enforcement is directed at operators who violate regulations, rather than businesses operating within the law,” he said.

The NEPZA boss urged operators and their associations to strengthen self-policing within the Free Trade Zones.

He said the scheme continued to generate significant revenue for the government, stressing that unlawful activities by a minority must not discredit its successes.