NEPZA Tightens Enforcement Against Illegal Container Importation

NEPZA Tightens Enforcement Against Illegal Container Importation

…Reaffirms commitment to lawful, transparent Free Trade Zone operations

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring strict compliance with regulations governing operations within the country’s Free Trade Zones, warning operators against illegal importation of containers into the secured zones.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja by the Authority’s Assistant Director and Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Martins Odeh.

Ogunyemi said adherence to regulations guiding transactions within the Free Trade Zones was mandatory, describing the operating licence issued to zone operators as a legal instrument carrying clear obligations.

He said the Authority was strengthening its enforcement measures against alleged illegal importation of containers into its controlled spaces.

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

“This includes intensified inspections, closer scrutiny of documentation, coordinated action with partner enforcement agencies, and the full application of penalties provided under the law.

“Operators who circumvent lawful import and export procedures, mis-declare goods, or attempt to move containers through unauthorised channels should be in no doubt that such conduct will be identified and met with decisive regulatory action,” he said.

According to him, the measures are aimed at protecting the integrity of NEPZA’s regulatory systems, safeguarding the public interest, ensuring a level playing field and maintaining standards that legitimate businesses depend on.

Ogunyemi said illegal importation undermined lawful commerce, exposed communities to unregulated goods and eroded public confidence in the Free Trade Zone system.

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

The NEPZA chief executive, however, stressed that the Authority would continue to handle regulatory matters with fairness, justice and transparency.

He said operators found culpable would face the consequences provided under Nigerian law, while entities not involved in any violations should be allowed to continue their legitimate operations without unnecessary disruption.

He said this was important to sustaining economic activities and supporting the objectives of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ogunyemi noted that the majority of operators within the Free Trade Zone system conduct their businesses lawfully, meet their regulatory obligations and contribute to 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, discredit, or obstruct the achievements of the compliant majority. Our strengthened enforcement is directed precisely at those who break the rules, not at the many who uphold them.

“We remain fully committed to supporting, facilitating, and championing the businesses that operate within the law. I have also advised and encouraged the zones, directly and through their association, to self-police,” he said.

He added that the Free Trade Zone scheme continued to generate significant revenue for the government, stressing that the Federal Government, its agencies and operators must work together to prevent the actions of a minority from undermining the achievements of the wider sector.