Workers of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) have staged a peaceful protest in Abuja against a proposed review of regulations governing free zones in Nigeria. The workers, under the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), claim that a committee set up by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment reviewed the regulations for six months without adequately involving NEPZA. They demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervene in the matter.
The protest, led by ASCSN chairperson Comrade Amaka Ugwu, aims to prevent what the workers describe as a "backdoor" attempt to alter the regulations. NEPZA, established under the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act 63 of 1992, is mandated to license, monitor, and regulate free-zone activities in Nigeria. Ugwu argues that the proposed changes could undermine NEPZA's statutory mandate and affect the attractiveness and viability of free zones.
The controversy centers on a 28-page document containing changes to the regulations and guidelines governing free-zone operations. The document was allegedly produced after a committee, set up by the minister, worked for six months without involving NEPZA. The workers claim that NEPZA only became aware of the document after it had been completed and forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for gazetting.
The workers were given only two days to participate in a consolidation exercise, which they describe as an attempt to get them to append their signature to a document that has already been concluded. Ugwu questions the nature of the proposed consolidation, arguing that NEPZA is being brought into the process after major decisions have already been taken.
The ASCSN chairperson calls for the process to be suspended and restarted through a broader committee involving NEPZA, its unions, management, and other relevant stakeholders. Ugwu warns that proceeding with the proposed changes without adequately considering NEPZA's concerns could affect the incentives available to enterprises operating in the zones and drive them away.
The workers' concerns are linked to Nigeria's broader economic diversification objectives, with free zones established to attract investment, generate employment, and support non-oil economic activities. Ugwu appeals directly to President Tinubu to intervene, saying that NEPZA's mandate and the interests of its workforce must be protected.
The Federal Government states that its current review of the economic free-zone framework aims to restore the export orientation of the zones, address concerns around domestic sales, and provide greater certainty for investors. The review process began in February 2026 with the inauguration of a Special Economic Zones Legislative and Regulatory Reform Committee, which includes NEPZA.
Key points
- NEPZA workers protest proposed changes to free-zone regulations
- Workers claim review process excluded NEPZA
- Proposed changes could affect incentives for enterprises operating in free zones
