NEPZA tightens enforcement against illegal container importation in Free Trade Zones

He stated that the Authority would immediately intensify inspections, subject import documentation to closer scrutiny, strengthen collaboration with partner enforcement agencies, and fully apply penalties prescribed by law against violators. The NEPZA boss warned that operators who bypass lawful import and export procedures, misdeclare goods, or move containers through unauthorised channels would face decisive regulatory action, noting that such practices undermine the credibility of the Free Trade Zone scheme. He explained that the strengthened measures are aimed at protecting the integrity of NEPZA’s regulatory systems, safeguarding public interest, ensuring fair competition, and preserving the standards required for legitimate business operations. Ogunyemi, however, assured investors and compliant operators that the Authority would continue to apply its regulatory mandate with fairness, transparency, and justice, adding that only those found culpable would face sanctions under Nigerian law. He noted that the vast majority of Free Trade Zone operators conduct their businesses responsibly, meet regulatory requirements, and contribute significantly to economic growth, employment generation, and 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 or discredit the achievements of compliant businesses,” he said. The NEPZA chief further urged operators and their associations to strengthen self-regulation within the zones, while reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to supporting lawful enterprises. Related News Malami breaks silence on Mambilla project, rejects corruption allegation Firm unveils plan to boost oil palm production in Akwa Ibom Alawuba seeks to deepen Nigeria-Brazil trade, investment ties Share

The NEPZA boss warned that operators who bypass lawful import and export procedures, misdeclare goods, or move containers through unauthorised channels would face decisive regulatory action, noting that such practices undermine the credibility of the Free Trade Zone scheme. He explained that the strengthened measures are aimed at protecting the integrity of NEPZA’s regulatory systems, safeguarding public interest, ensuring fair competition, and preserving the standards required for legitimate business operations. Ogunyemi, however, assured investors and compliant operators that the Authority would continue to apply its regulatory mandate with fairness, transparency, and justice, adding that only those found culpable would face sanctions under Nigerian law. He noted that the vast majority of Free Trade Zone operators conduct their businesses responsibly, meet regulatory requirements, and contribute significantly to economic growth, employment generation, and 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 or discredit the achievements of compliant businesses,” he said. The NEPZA chief further urged operators and their associations to strengthen self-regulation within the zones, while reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to supporting lawful enterprises. Related News Malami breaks silence on Mambilla project, rejects corruption allegation Firm unveils plan to boost oil palm production in Akwa Ibom Alawuba seeks to deepen Nigeria-Brazil trade, investment ties Share

Ogunyemi, however, assured investors and compliant operators that the Authority would continue to apply its regulatory mandate with fairness, transparency, and justice, adding that only those found culpable would face sanctions under Nigerian law. He noted that the vast majority of Free Trade Zone operators conduct their businesses responsibly, meet regulatory requirements, and contribute significantly to economic growth, employment generation, and 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 or discredit the achievements of compliant businesses,” he said. The NEPZA chief further urged operators and their associations to strengthen self-regulation within the zones, while reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to supporting lawful enterprises. Related News Malami breaks silence on Mambilla project, rejects corruption allegation Firm unveils plan to boost oil palm production in Akwa Ibom Alawuba seeks to deepen Nigeria-Brazil trade, investment ties Share

He noted that the vast majority of Free Trade Zone operators conduct their businesses responsibly, meet regulatory requirements, and contribute significantly to economic growth, employment generation, and 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 or discredit the achievements of compliant businesses,” he said. The NEPZA chief further urged operators and their associations to strengthen self-regulation within the zones, while reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to supporting lawful enterprises. Related News Malami breaks silence on Mambilla project, rejects corruption allegation Firm unveils plan to boost oil palm production in Akwa Ibom Alawuba seeks to deepen Nigeria-Brazil trade, investment ties Share

“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 or discredit the achievements of compliant businesses,” he said. The NEPZA chief further urged operators and their associations to strengthen self-regulation within the zones, while reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to supporting lawful enterprises. Related News Malami breaks silence on Mambilla project, rejects corruption allegation Firm unveils plan to boost oil palm production in Akwa Ibom Alawuba seeks to deepen Nigeria-Brazil trade, investment ties Share

The NEPZA chief further urged operators and their associations to strengthen self-regulation within the zones, while reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to supporting lawful enterprises. Related News Malami breaks silence on Mambilla project, rejects corruption allegation Firm unveils plan to boost oil palm production in Akwa Ibom Alawuba seeks to deepen Nigeria-Brazil trade, investment ties Share