What is a Free Zone?
A Free Zone is a geographically designated area deemed to be outside the customs territory within which national regulations to production, trade and other economic activities may not be applicable or partially applicable. It is also referred to in other countries as Special Economic Zone, Foreign Trade Zone, Enterprise Zone, Industrial Development Zone, Free Trade Zone, Export processing Zone and so on.
NEPZA Free Zones
Pursuant to the vibrant transformative economic programmes of the Federal Government, the activities of the Authority has been strengthened and this has led to the establishment of 42 Free Zones spread across the country. A Zone can be operated by the public or private sector or a combination of both. There are currently over 500 licensed Free Zone enterprises operating in the various Zones across the country.
Free Zone Categories
- Special Economic Zones
- Export Processing
- Free Trade
- Oil and Gas
- Border
- Industrial Parks
- Logistics
- ICT
- Tourism
Permissible Activities in Free Zones
Construction & Light Manufacturing
Housing, Light Manufacturing & Services
Solid Minerals & Metals
Cement, Basic Steel, Aluminium, Chemicals, Auto Assembly
Oil & Gas
Petrochemical, Fertilizer, Methanol, Plastics, Refineries
Agribusiness & Agro Allied
Food processing, Sugar, Palm Oil Processing, Cocoa Processing, Leather & leather products, Rubber Products, Textiles and Garments
Standard Facilities
Personnel
Security
Buildings
Telecoms
Utilities
Road
Warehouse
Admin Center
Amenities
Training
Residential
Trained Customs/immigration personnel as obtained in other Nigeria Export Free Zones worldwide.
Police post to provide adequate security in the zone.
Pre-built factory building and serviced plots.
Efficient telecommunication facilities for easy communication and internet access.
Uninterrupted electricity and water supply.
Adequate internal/external road network
Central transit warehousing facilities at major ports for efficent handling of free zone goods
A one-stop-shop administrative center to handle all investors' needs.
Social amenities such as schools, hospitals, banking, recreations, etc
Training centers to cater for schools needs.
Residential districts to include hotels, housing. shopping malls, recreation parks, restaurants, green areas and more