NEPZA Tightens Enforcement Against Illegal Container Importation

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has announced tougher enforcement measures against illegal container importation into free trade zones, warning operators to comply fully with regulations or face sanctions.

The Authority said it would intensify inspections, scrutinise documents more closely and work with other enforcement agencies to tackle violations within the secured trading environment.

NEPZA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Authority’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Martins Odeh, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ogunyemi said the operating licence issued to free trade zone operators carries legal obligations and forms the basis for maintaining a transparent business environment.

“Effective immediately, the Authority is tightening its enforcement posture against the allegations of illegal importation of containers into our controlled spaces,” he said.

He said NEPZA would also apply penalties provided by law against operators who evade import and export procedures, mis-declare goods or use unauthorised channels to move containers.

The NEPZA boss said the measures would protect the integrity of the zones and safeguard legitimate businesses from unfair competition.

“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, however, stressed that the Authority would not treat all operators as suspects because of the alleged activities of a few.

According to him, NEPZA will continue to apply fairness, justice and transparency when dealing with regulatory violations.

He said operators found culpable would face the consequences of Nigerian law, while businesses that have no connection to any offence should be allowed to continue their operations without unnecessary disruption.

Ogunyemi said the approach would protect economic activities in the zones and support the objectives of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that most operators in the free trade zones conduct their businesses responsibly, meet their obligations and contribute to the country’s trade and revenue generation.

“The diligence and integrity of the majority of our operators deserve recognition, not suspicion,” he said.

He added that NEPZA’s strengthened enforcement would target businesses that violate the rules rather than those that comply with them.

“The unlawful actions of a small minority must not be allowed to overshadow, discredit, or obstruct the achievements of the compliant majority,” Ogunyemi said.

He also urged operators and zone management to strengthen internal controls and prevent activities that could undermine the free trade zone scheme.

The NEPZA chief said he had encouraged the zones, both directly and through their association, to adopt stronger self-policing measures.

He said the free trade zone scheme continues to generate significant revenue for the government and supports legitimate commercial activity.

Ogunyemi therefore urged the government, its agencies and operators to prevent the alleged misconduct of a minority from damaging the reputation and achievements of the wider sector.