The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration in order to advance the Federal Government’s One-Stop-Shop framework across all Free Trade Zones (FTZs).
This resolution was reached following a strategic phone discussion between NEPZA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, and the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.).
The conversation followed concerns raised by NEPZA regarding the insistence of some NDLEA officers on inspecting all containers destined for specific Free Trade Zones.
Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized the importance of synergy among all government agencies operating within the FTZ ecosystem, noting that such collaboration is critical to sustaining the country’s economic revitalization agenda.
“As you know, NEPZA is mandated to license, monitor, regulate, and facilitate investment into Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones a responsibility we have diligently carried out for over three decades.
While NDLEA’s presence is crucial in safeguarding the zones against drug-related infractions, the NEPZA Act clearly provides for such involvement on a need basis, particularly during joint inspections when suspicions are raised,” Dr. Ogunyemi stated.
He further commended NDLEA’s efforts under Gen. Marwa’s leadership, stressing that the agency’s professionalism has significantly advanced Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.
In response, Gen. Marwa welcomed the renewed collaboration and underscored the need for both agencies to align their operations to create a drug-free, secure, and investor-friendly business environment in the Free Trade Zones.
“Going forward, NEPZA and NDLEA must strengthen cooperation to deliver on their respective mandates without unnecessary overlaps. This synergy will ensure the integrity of Free Trade Zones while promoting Nigeria as a safe investment destination,” Marwa said.
Both leaders agreed to anchor their collaboration within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inter-agency cooperation, transparency, and good corporate governance.
