The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has intensified enforcement against illegal importation and other regulatory violations in Free Trade Zones (FTZs) across the country.
NEPZA’s Managing Director, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Martins Odeh, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ogunyemi said strict compliance with regulations governing transactions within the secured marketplace was mandatory for all FTZ operators.
He described operating licences as legal instruments that impose obligations on operators and serve as the 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 operations with relevant enforcement agencies.
According to him, NEPZA would also impose penalties prescribed by law on operators found violating established procedures.
Ogunyemi warned operators against circumventing lawful import and export procedures, mis-declaring 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.
He said the measures were aimed at protecting the integrity of NEPZA’s systems, safeguarding public interest and ensuring a level playing field for businesses operating within the zones.
The NEPZA boss 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.
Ogunyemi noted that the majority of operators conducted their businesses honestly, met their obligations and contributed to a well-regulated trade environment.
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“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 managing director urged operators and their associations to strengthen self-policing mechanisms within the Free Trade Zones.
He said the scheme continued to generate significant revenue for the government, stressing that the unlawful activities of a minority must not be allowed to undermine its achievements.
