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).

Managing director/chief executive officer of NEPZA, Olufemi Ogunyemi, said this during a meeting with retired Gen. Buba Marwa, chairman/chief executive officer of NDLEA, on Monday, in Abuja.

Mr Ogunyemi raised concerns over the alleged insistence by some NDLEA officers on inspecting all containers destined for certain Free Trade Zones.

He said 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, which was intended 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,” Mr Ogunyemi said.

He explained 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 also reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to eliminating any violations of Nigerian laws within the zones.

He further commended the NDLEA for its efforts in maintaining a drug-free environment under Mr Marwa’s leadership.

In response, Mr 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,” Mr Marwa said.

Both leaders agreed to carry out their responsibilities in line with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promoted inter-agency synergy, transparency, and good corporate governance.

(NAN)