The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to enhance oversight and ensure compliance within the country’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs).
The managing director/chief executive officer of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, stated this during a meeting with the chairman/chief executive officer of NDLEA, retired Gen. Buba Marwa, on Monday in Abuja.
Ogunyemi raised concerns about reports that some NDLEA officers allegedly insist on inspecting all containers destined for certain FTZs, warning that such practices could undermine the federal government’s one-stop-shop framework designed to streamline operations within the zones.
He stressed the need for all key government agencies operating in the FTZ ecosystem to align with the one-stop-shop model, noting that the framework was introduced to stimulate investment and drive economic revitalisation.
“As you know, NEPZA is the government agency responsible for licensing, monitoring, regulating, and facilitating investment into Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones. We have been performing these duties for more than 30 years,” Ogunyemi said.
The NEPZA boss explained that the Act establishing the Authority empowered it to invite NDLEA for joint inspections of goods and containers only when there was reasonable suspicion. This, he noted, ensures transparency while preventing unnecessary interference with legitimate trade.
He reaffirmed NEPZA’s commitment to eliminating any violations of Nigerian laws within the zones, while commending the NDLEA for its efforts in maintaining a drug-free environment under Marwa’s leadership.
In his response, Marwa pledged the NDLEA’s continued support for deeper cooperation with NEPZA, stressing that both agencies must work closely to safeguard the integrity of the Free Trade Zones.
“The two agencies must henceforth intensify collaboration to fulfil their mandates without interfering with each other’s work,” Marwa said.
Both leaders agreed that their renewed partnership would be guided by the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inter-agency synergy, transparency, and good corporate governance.
