NEPZA LAUNCHES E-PLATFORM TO DIGITISE FREE TRADE ZONE OPERATIONS 23-01-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has officially launched an electronic platform, e-NEPZA, for the Free Trade Zone Scheme, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s efforts to digitise operations within Nigeria’s special economic zones.
Speaking at the signing ceremony between NEPZA and the developers of the platform, Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, highlighted the growing demand for digital solutions to streamline the agency’s processes.
According to Dr. Ogunyemi, the new system will enable more accurate data collection, reduce financial leakages, increase revenue, and foster greater transparency in the management of Nigeria’s free trade zones.
The e-NEPZA platform, which was developed locally over a 12-month period, reflects NEPZA’s commitment to utilising indigenous technology to address local challenges.
“This innovation will allow businesses and investors from around the world to complete necessary processes remotely, eliminating the need for physical visits to Nigeria,” Dr. Ogunyemi said.
Project Manager of the development company, Luqman Ekundayo, explained that the platform offers a fully digitised process for enterprise registration and license renewal, complete with automatic notifications.
The Managing Director further emphasised that within the next 12 months, zone operators, management companies, and enterprises will also be encouraged to embrace digitisation in order to create a seamless digital synergy across the sector.