The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have pledged to strengthen their collaboration in managing activities within the nation’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs), aligning with the Federal Government’s one-stop-shop policy framework aimed at streamlining regulatory processes and boosting investor confidence.
The agreement followed a phone discussion between Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of NEPZA, and Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), NDLEA Chairman.
The talks were prompted by complaints that some drug law enforcement officers had been insisting on inspecting all containers destined for certain FTZs, a practice that Ogunyemi noted ran contrary to the one-stop-shop framework.
In a statement issued on Monday by NEPZA Head of Corporate Communications, Martins Odeh, Ogunyemi emphasized that while NDLEA plays a critical role in maintaining order on drug-related issues in Nigeria, its presence in the Free Trade Zones should be on an as-needed basis.
“The NEPZA Act mandates that involvement of certain government agencies, including NDLEA, in FTZ operations should be upon invitation and only where suspicions are raised,” he explained.
Highlighting NEPZA’s mission, Ogunyemi said, “As the agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and facilitating investment in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones for over 30 years, it is crucial that all sister agencies operate harmoniously within the FTZ ecosystem.
This collaboration ensures transparency while maintaining investor confidence in the regulatory framework.”
Ogunyemi further affirmed a shared commitment to enforcing Nigerian laws within Free Trade Zones, expressing appreciation for NDLEA’s consistent efforts under Marwa’s leadership.
He described the agency’s cooperation as vital in maintaining a secure and business-friendly environment across the FTZs.
Echoing the call for synergy, NDLEA Chairman Marwa stressed the need for greater inter-agency cooperation to promote a healthy and drug-free business environment in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones.
“The two agencies must intensify collaboration to fulfill their respective mandates without interfering with each other’s work,” Marwa said.
Both leaders agreed that their partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes integrity, good governance, and inter-agency cooperation to stimulate economic revitalization through strategic investment initiatives in the free trade sector.
Experts note that enhanced collaboration between regulatory and enforcement agencies is critical for attracting foreign investment and ensuring compliance with both local and international trade standards.
By adopting a coordinated approach, NEPZA and NDLEA are expected to eliminate procedural bottlenecks, reduce unnecessary inspections, and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones.
Furthermore, this strategic partnership could serve as a model for other government agencies, illustrating how effective communication and clearly defined roles can boost operational efficiency while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Analysts also believe that such collaboration will foster a more predictable investment climate, ultimately enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global trade arena.
As Nigeria continues to expand its Free Trade Zones, the NEPZA-NDLEA collaboration signals a commitment to streamlined processes, transparency, and investor-friendly practices, setting the stage for sustainable economic growth and development.