The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration in order to safeguard investments and enhance the ease of doing business within the country’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs).
According to a statement signed by Martins Odeh, Head of Corporate Communications at NEPZA, the agreement was reached following a conversation, on Monday, between Olufemi Ogunyemi, NEPZA’s Managing Director/CEO, and Buba Marwa, NDLEA Chairman/CEO.
The discussion was prompted by concerns over reports of some NDLEA officers allegedly insisting on inspecting all containers destined for certain Free Trade Zones.
Ogunyemi emphasised the importance of all Government agencies within the FTZ ecosystem upholding the Federal Government’s One-Stop-Shop framework, which is designed to promote efficiency and economic revitalisation.
“As you know, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority is a government agency responsible for licensing, monitoring, regulating, and facilitating investment into Nigeria’s Free Trade Zone. The Authority has been performing these duties for over 30 years.
“In recognition of the vital role that key sister agencies like the NDLEA play in maintaining order in drug-related issues in Nigeria, we find it necessary to insist on the agency’s presence in the free zones whenever required,’’ Ogunyemi said.
He clarified that the NEPZA Act empowers the Authority to invite relevant agencies, including the NDLEA, for joint inspections only on a need basis, particularly where suspicions arise. This, he said, ensures both transparency and investor confidence.
Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to eliminating violations of Nigeria’s laws within Free Trade Zones, Ogunyemi commended Marwa for his leadership, noting NDLEA’s consistent performance in safeguarding national interests.
On his part, Marwa pledged NDLEA’s continued cooperation with NEPZA to foster a safe, transparent, and drug-free business environment in the Free Zones. “The two agencies must henceforth intensify collaboration to fulfil their mandates without interfering with each other’s work,” he added.
Both leaders agreed to operate within the framework of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inter-agency cooperation, good governance, and economic development as renewed partnership is expected to boost investor confidence, promote trade facilitation, and further position Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones as hubs for sustainable economic growth.
