Workers under the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, NEPZA Unit, have expressed concerns over proposed changes to the regulations governing the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority. In a statement dated September 25, 2026, the union urged the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to suspend the process of finalising the regulations until extensive consultations are held with stakeholders. The union, led by Comrade Amaka Ugwu and Comrade Aoso Sekav, warned that the review could undermine the Free Zone Scheme.
The union stated that some provisions in the proposed regulations could erode the incentives that have attracted operators and investors to the zones. They acknowledged the need for periodic reviews of government policies but cautioned that such reviews should strengthen rather than weaken the Free Zone Scheme. The workers expressed awareness that the ministry had reviewed the existing NEPZA Regulations and was preparing to harmonise them before forwarding the document to the Federal Ministry of Justice for gazetting.
The proposed regulations, according to the union, would significantly alter the attractiveness of the Free Zone Scheme by considerably eroding the incentives regime in place. The union demanded broader consultations involving NEPZA management, workers’ representatives, free zone operators, other stakeholders, and relevant government agencies involved in the operation of the zones. They insisted that the proposed regulations should be subjected to further scrutiny involving all stakeholders.
The workers also asked the ministry to retain the existing arrangement permitting the 100 per cent sale of goods from free zones into the Customs territory, including the associated tax regime, pending consultations with stakeholders. They argued that this arrangement was crucial to the viability of the Free Zone Scheme. The union's concerns were aimed at protecting the scheme and ensuring that regulatory changes do not undermine its objectives.
The union further called for an accelerated review of the NEPZA Act, arguing that an updated legal framework would strengthen the authority and support the development of the Free Zone Scheme. The workers maintained that their objection was aimed at protecting the viability of the scheme and ensuring that regulatory changes do not undermine its objectives. They expressed willingness to work with the federal government to advance the sector.
The ASCSN NEPZA Unit, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, emphasised that its members remained willing to work with the federal government to actualise the transformative agenda and mandate of the President. The union's statement was addressed to the minister of industry, trade and investment on behalf of the ASCSN NEPZA Unit.
The proposed regulations have sparked concerns among workers and stakeholders, who fear that the changes could have negative impacts on the Free Zone Scheme. The union's demands for broader consultations and a review of the proposed regulations reflect the need for a collaborative approach to regulating the scheme. The outcome of the proposed regulations and the union's demands remains to be seen.
Key points
- The union demands broader consultations involving NEPZA management, workers’ representatives, free zone operators, and relevant government agencies.
- The proposed regulations could erode the incentives that have attracted operators and investors to the zones.
- The union calls for an accelerated review of the NEPZA Act to strengthen the authority and support the development of the Free Zone Scheme.
