The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have decided to work together to promote a drug-free business environment within the Free Trade Zones (FTZs).

They reached this agreement on Monday during a phone call between NEPZA’s Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, and Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), Chairman of the NDLEA.

A statement from NEPZA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Dr. Martins Odeh, said the NDLEA chief made the call when the Authority’s Managing Director requested a discussion about some operatives of the Agency insisting on inspecting all containers bound for certain FTZs.

Ogunyemi emphasised the importance of all key government agencies within the FTZs’ ecosystem actively supporting the country’s one-stop shop framework to aid economic revival through the scheme.

“As you know, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority is a government agency responsible for licensing, monitoring, regulating, and facilitating investment into Nigeria’s Free Trade Zone. The Authority has been performing these duties for over 30 years.

“In recognition of the vital role that key sister agencies like the NDLEA play in maintaining order in drug-related issues in Nigeria, we find it necessary to insist on the agency’s presence in the free zones whenever required,” Ogunyemi said.

He reaffirmed that the NEPZA law stipulates involvement in the Free Trade Zones by certain government agencies should be based on necessity.

According to him, the NEPZA Act requires the Authority to invite the NDLEA for joint inspections of goods and containers in areas where suspicions arise to ensure transparency.

Ogunyemi also confirmed a shared commitment to eliminate any breaches of Nigeria’s laws within the Free Trade Zones.

On his part, Gen. Marwa called for increased cooperation between the NDLEA and NEPZA to continually foster a healthy and drug-free business environment in the Free Trade Zones.

“The two agencies must henceforth intensify collaboration to fulfil their mandates without interfering with each other’s work,” he said.

However, both officials agreed to carry out their duties within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote agency cooperation, integrity, and good corporate governance.