By Queen Kunde
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has announced tougher measures against the illegal importation of containers into Free Trade Zones, warning operators that anyone who breaks the rules will face the full weight of the law.
NEPZA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, said the new enforcement measures would take effect immediately.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by NEPZA’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Martins Odeh, Ogunyemi said the Authority would intensify inspections, scrutinise import and export documents more closely and work with other enforcement agencies to stop illegal activities within the zones.
He warned operators against mis-declaring goods, bypassing approved import and export procedures or moving containers through unauthorised channels.
“Effective immediately, the Authority is tightening its enforcement posture against the allegations of illegal importation of containers into our controlled spaces,” Ogunyemi said.
He said operators found violating the law would face penalties, stressing that the measures were aimed at protecting legitimate businesses, public interest and the integrity of the Free Trade Zone system.
According to him, illegal importation not only hurts lawful businesses but also exposes communities to unregulated goods and weakens public confidence in the system.
Ogunyemi, however, said NEPZA would continue to treat regulatory matters with fairness, justice and transparency.
He stressed that operators found culpable should face the consequences of the law, while businesses that are not involved in any wrongdoing should be allowed to continue their operations without unnecessary disruption.
The NEPZA boss also defended the majority of operators in the zones, saying most businesses comply with the rules, meet their obligations and contribute to the economy.
“The unlawful actions of a small minority must not be allowed to overshadow, discredit, or obstruct the achievements of the compliant majority,” he said.
Ogunyemi urged operators and their associations to strengthen self-policing within the zones, saying NEPZA remained committed to supporting businesses that operate within the law.
He added that the Free Trade Zone scheme continued to generate significant revenue for the Federal Government and urged all stakeholders to protect the gains made by the sector.
NEPZA said the latest enforcement drive was therefore targeted at those who violate the rules and not at the wider community of compliant businesses.
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