NEPZA Seeks 10-Year Tax Exemption for Special Economic Zones Operators
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NEPZA Seeks 10-Year Tax Exemption for Special Economic Zones Operators
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has appealed to the Federal Government to grant a 10-year exemption from the recently introduced tax laws to operators within the country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), saying the measure is necessary to sustain investor confidence and preserve the competitiveness of the scheme.
The Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, made the appeal at a virtual stakeholder dialogue organised on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Represented by the Director, Corporate Service, Mrs Haleema Sani Kamba, Ogunyemi said the Authority’s request followed rising concerns expressed by investors on local and international platforms over the potential impact of the new tax regime on SEZ operations.
He noted that incentives remain central to the global free zone model, adding that stability and predictability were essential for long-term planning.
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“The Managing Director/CEO has instructed me to make this special appeal to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, requesting a sunset period of approximately 10 years for all our investors,” Kamba said.
“We hope the Chairman will consider this for the benefit of the scheme.”
She explained that a 10-year reprieve would give operators sufficient time to adjust their operations to the new regulatory environment without undermining current investments.
According to her, the Authority believes the measure would strike the right balance between government’s revenue goals and the incentive structure that underpins the scheme.
Ogunyemi highlighted the contribution of the 63 Free Trade Zones and over 700 enterprises operating within them, describing the ecosystem as a key pillar of Nigeria’s industrialisation and export aspirations.
He warned that persistent uncertainty around tax issues could affect the inflow of foreign direct investment if not addressed.
“Our Free Trade Zones remain central to Nigeria’s growth ambitions,” he said. “The revenues and opportunities the scheme can generate are best realised when incentives align with global standards that strengthen competitiveness.”
He added that NEPZA would continue to collaborate with the Federal Inland Revenue Service and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition under the new tax framework, while assuring investors that Nigeria remained open for business.
Ogunyemi also stressed the importance of clarity as investors begin preparing their business plans for 2026, noting that the dialogue demonstrated government’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement.
On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the ongoing reforms covering the national revenue system, SEZ incentives, and updated Financial Reporting Council requirements were aimed at bolstering the country’s competitiveness and improving the ease of doing business.
