Abuja: The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are strengthening their collaboration to enhance oversight and ensure compliance within the country’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs). Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, stated this during a meeting with retired Gen. Buba Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogunyemi raised concerns over the alleged insistence by some NDLEA officers on inspecting all containers destined for certain Free Trade Zones. He noted that such practices could undermine the Federal Government’s one-stop-shop framework designed to streamline operations within the zones. Ogunyemi emphasized the necessity for all key government agencies operating in the FTZ ecosystem to align with the one-stop-shop model, which aims to stimulate investment and drive economic revitalization.
Ogunyemi explained that NEPZA, as the government agency responsible for licensing, monitoring, regulating, and facilitating investment into Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones, has been performing these duties for more than 30 years. He pointed out that the NEPZA Act empowered the Authority to invite NDLEA for joint inspections of goods and containers only when there was reasonable suspicion, ensuring transparency while preventing unnecessary interference with legitimate trade.
The NEPZA boss reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to eliminate any violations of Nigerian laws within the zones and commended the NDLEA for its efforts in maintaining a drug-free environment under Marwa’s leadership.
In response, Marwa pledged the NDLEA’s continued support for deeper cooperation with NEPZA, emphasizing that both agencies must work closely to safeguard the integrity of the Free Trade Zones. He stated that the two agencies must intensify collaboration to fulfill their mandates without interfering with each other’s work.
Both leaders agreed to carry out their responsibilities in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes inter-agency synergy, transparency, and good corporate governance.