NEPZA To Clamp Down On Illegal Container Importation In Free Trade Zones

By Victor Idajili

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) says it will no longer tolerate illegal importation of containers into Free Trade Zones.

The warning was given by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja through the Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Martins Odeh.

Dr Ogunyemi reminded operators that the Free Trade Zone licence is a legal obligation that must be respected to ensure fairness and transparency in the zones.

He said NEPZA has now adopted a tougher enforcement approach to curb alleged cases of illegal container importation.

This, he said, will involve intensified inspections, thorough verification of documents, joint operations with relevant security agencies, and strict application of penalties stipulated by law.

He warned that operators who bypass approved import and export procedures, make false declarations, or move containers through illegal routes will be detected and sanctioned.

According to him, the crackdown is necessary to protect the integrity of the Authority, safeguard public interest, and maintain a level playing field for legitimate businesses.

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

He stressed that NEPZA remains fair and transparent in its regulatory duties, adding that only violators will be punished while law-abiding operators will continue to enjoy support to sustain economic growth in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

While acknowledging that most operators in the zones are compliant and contribute significantly to the economy, he said the misconduct of a few must not taint the image of the majority.

“The unlawful actions of a small minority must not be allowed to overshadow or discredit the achievements of the compliant majority. Our enforcement is targeted at rule-breakers, not those who uphold the rules,” he said.

The NEPZA boss added that the Authority has also encouraged free zones and their association to embrace self-regulation to complement government efforts, noting that the scheme remains a major revenue earner for the country.