By Queen Kunde
The Nigeria Economic Zones Association (NEZA) has commended the Managing Directors of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) for calling for a 10-year moratorium on the implementation of the National Tax Policy (NTA) within Nigeria’s Free Zones.
In a statement issued on Monday, NEZA described the move as bold, timely and forward-looking, noting that it aligns with concerns the association had earlier raised in a press release dated September 1, 2025.
NEZA warned that the abrupt application of the NTA without a clear transitional framework could be counterproductive, potentially triggering capital flight, weakening investor confidence and discouraging new investments into the Free Zone scheme.
According to the association, the proposed moratorium would serve as a strategic buffer, allowing sufficient time for policy harmonisation, sustained engagement with investors, regulatory clarity and the development of a globally competitive incentives framework tailored to zone-based enterprises.
NEZA urged NEPZA and OGFZA to sustain their collaborative advocacy efforts to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s Free Zone regime, stressing that the success of the scheme depends on stable, predictable and investor-friendly policies.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with relevant government authorities to ensure that no fiscal or regulatory policy undermines the competitiveness, sustainability and long-term viability of Free Zones in Nigeria.
The statement was signed by NEZA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. I.O. Elegbede, and dated December 15, 2025.
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