Kunle Kalejaye
Leeds, England — The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has reminded operators in the Free Trade Zones that strict adherence to regulations guiding transactions in the secured marketplace is not optional, stating “Effective immediately, the Authority is tightening its enforcement posture against the allegations of illegal importation of containers into our controlled spaces.
Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of the Authority, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen by the Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Martins Odeh, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Dr. Ogunyemi, also the Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, stated that the free trade zone operating licence was a legal instrument of obligation and the foundation of a fair and transparent gesture to secure a global marketplace.
“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,’’ Dr. Ogunyemi said.
According to him, these measures are designed to protect the integrity of the Authority’s systems, safeguard public interest, ensure a level playing field, and uphold the standards that legitimate businesses rightly depend upon.
He said: “Illegal importation undermines lawful commerce, exposes communities to unregulated goods, and erodes public confidence. We will not permit it to continue unchecked.’’
The NEPZA Chief Executive Officer, however, stated that the Authority has always handled its regulatory issues with fairness, justice, and transparency.
He reiterated, therefore, that operators found culpable should face the consequences of Nigerian law, adding that entities not involved or implicated must be swiftly allowed to continue their operations in the sustainment of the economy and fulfilment of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
According to him, the overwhelming majority of operators in the sector conduct their businesses honestly, meet their obligations, and contribute meaningfully to a thriving and 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 scheme continued to generate significant revenue for the government, stating that the Federal Government, its agents and the operators themselves must not allow the alleged unsavoury activities of a minority to discredit the successes of the majority.
