Calabar FTZ: Customs Pledges Action On Investors’ Operational Challenges

By Samuel Egbewole 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged to address operational challenges confronting investors at the Calabar Free Trade Zone (FTZ), promising improved coordination, transparent procedures and stronger engagement with stakeholders to create a more conducive business environment.

The assurance was given by the Acting Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DCC) Nkeiruka Nwala, during a visit to the zone, where she met with its Director, Hajiya Binta Saeed, and other stakeholders.

In a statement made available to newsmen, the Command’s spokesperson, ASC Mrs Yireabasi Ukpong, said the engagement provided an opportunity for investors to raise concerns affecting their business operations.

Nwala acknowledged the challenges highlighted by investors and assured them that the Command was committed to resolving them through improved communication, cooperation and strict adherence to established procedures.

“We recognise the concerns and challenges facing investors, and we are committed to addressing them through improved communication, cooperation, and adherence to established procedures,” she said.

She described investor confidence as critical to the success of the Free Trade Zone and Nigeria’s broader ambition to attract investment, expand international trade and stimulate economic growth.

The Acting Area Controller further assured stakeholders that issues raised during the engagement would receive the necessary attention, with a view to preventing similar disruptions to legitimate business activities.

“We want to ensure that things are done the right way. Our objective is to improve coordination, follow proper procedures, and minimise avoidable disruptions to legitimate business activities,” she said.

Nwala emphasised that effective cooperation among the Customs Service, FTZ management and investors was essential to resolving operational difficulties, improving efficiency and ensuring accountability within the zone.

She added that sustained engagement and mutual understanding among stakeholders would help promote transparency and create a predictable environment for businesses to operate.

In her remarks, Saeed said the meeting offered stakeholders an opportunity to review existing operational challenges and identify practical ways of ensuring smoother business activities.

She described the Calabar FTZ as an important investment platform capable of driving industrial development, facilitating international trade, generating employment and strengthening Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

Saeed expressed confidence that the Customs Command’s renewed commitment would reassure existing investors and encourage prospective investors, noting that predictable regulations, efficient trade facilitation and constructive engagement between government agencies and the private sector were vital to the zone’s growth.