Businesses interested in operating within any of Nigeria’s Free Zones can follow the 6 simple steps described below.
Complete the Application Form
Complete an application form which can be downloaded online or collect from the administration of the free zone or from NEPZA HQ in Abuja, with a non-refundable fee of US$500 or its Naira equivalent.
Submit the Form
Submit completed application form to the Zone Administration or NEPZA Office in Abuja along with required Project Plan/Feasibility Study. Application will be reviewed and either approved or returned with observations within five (5) working days
Approval and License
On approval of application, an Operating License (OPL) will be issued by the Free Zone Administration. Being licensed by the Authority constitutes registration and no further registration is required with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). It is at this point that the Free Zone Administration will discuss your site location and assign or reserve a space for you.
Remit Capital
Remit your investment capital through banks located in the zones which will in turn issue a Certificate of Capital Importation.
Prepare Building Space
Prepare your building or warehouse space. Investors who are constructing their own buildings must submit four (4) copies of full architectural drawings for approval by Zone Management according to established building codes. Built-up spaces should not exceed 70% of the leased land, and construction should start within three (3) months after execution of agreement.
Move in and Operate
Government has designed the process to be as streamlined and user friendly as possible. Some companies may have some additional procedure to follow such as obtaining permission for their foreign nationals and employees which can be done at the immigration desk offices in the free zones.