The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has tightened inspection rules for goods entering the country’s free trade zones in a move to curb illegal imports and other breaches of import procedures.

NEPZA’s Managing Director, Olufemi Ogunyemi, announced the new measures on Tuesday through a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Corporate Communications, Martins Odeh.

The action follows allegations that some operators have been bringing containers into the zones illegally and evading import and export regulations.

Ogunyemi said all operators must comply strictly with regulations governing the zones, describing operating licences as binding legal obligations rather than mere formalities.

He warned that operators who falsify goods, evade lawful procedures or move containers through unauthorised channels would be identified and sanctioned.

The enforcement will include tighter inspections, closer scrutiny of documents and joint action with other regulatory agencies.

He further said illegal importation hurts legitimate businesses, exposes communities to unregulated goods and weakens public trust in the system.

Ogunyemi noted, however, that most operators run their businesses lawfully and should not be penalised for the actions of a few.

He called on operators and their associations to strengthen self-regulation within the zones.