The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have agreed to deepen collaboration in regulating activities within the nation’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs), in line with the Federal Government’s one-stop-shop policy framework.

The understanding was reached during a phone conversation between NEPZA Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, and NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), according to a statement issued on Monday by NEPZA’s Head of Corporate Communications, Martins Odeh.

The discussions followed complaints that some NDLEA officers had allegedly insisted on inspecting all containers bound for certain FTZs, a practice Ogunyemi said ran contrary to the one-stop-shop model designed to streamline regulation and boost investor confidence.

“The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority is responsible for licensing, monitoring, regulating, and facilitating investment into Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones. The Authority has been performing these duties for over 30 years,” Ogunyemi said.

He emphasised that while NDLEA plays a vital role in addressing drug-related concerns, its involvement in FTZ operations should be based on need, as provided by the NEPZA Act. He explained that the law mandates NEPZA to invite NDLEA for joint inspections of goods and containers only when suspicions are raised, ensuring both compliance and transparency.

Ogunyemi reaffirmed NEPZA’s commitment to eliminating any violations of Nigerian laws within the FTZs and commended Marwa for his leadership of the NDLEA, noting the agency’s “dedicated and thorough service” in safeguarding national interests.

In response, Marwa pledged NDLEA’s support for a cooperative framework that strengthens oversight without disrupting business activities.
“The two agencies must henceforth intensify collaboration to fulfil their mandates without interfering with each other’s work,” he said.

Both officials also committed to working in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises inter-agency cooperation, integrity, and corporate governance to drive economic revitalisation through the Free Trade Zone scheme.