NIGERIA EXPORT PROCESSING ZONES ACT

An Act establishes export processing zones in Nigeria to attract investments and boost exports. It targets manufacturers and investors with incentives like tax exemptions and streamlined regulations. This creates jobs and enhances non-oil export activities.

What Is This Policy?

An Act establishing Nigeria's export processing zones (EPZs) and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) to administer them, providing extensive incentives for enterprises operating within the zones.

Who Does It Target?

Manufacturers and processors locating in EPZs NEPZA as the zone authority Foreign and domestic investors in export-oriented industries Free trade zone enterprises

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Attract export-oriented investment by providing duty-free zones with streamlined regulations, tax exemptions, and excellent infrastructure to boost non-oil exports and create employment.

Key Features

Duty-Free Import: Enterprises in EPZs import raw materials and capital goods duty-free. Tax Holidays: EPZ enterprises enjoy prolonged income tax exemptions. 100% Foreign Ownership: Foreign investors may own 100% of EPZ enterprises. Streamlined Regulations: NEPZA provides a one-stop regulatory environment within the zones.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active — Lekki, Calabar, and other EPZs operational Coverage: Designated EPZ locations nationwide Beneficiaries: Export manufacturers; investors; Nigerian economy Funding: Private investment; government EPZ infrastructure

How to Access

Apply to NEPZA for enterprise licence to operate in an EPZ Business plan and investment commitment required Enterprises must maintain export orientation (80% of production for export) Application method: Apply to NEPZA at https://www.nepza.gov.ng

Important Terms

EPZ enterprises must export 80% or more of output; sale in Nigeria requires payment of applicable duties EPZ status confers no benefit on goods leaving the zone for the domestic market NEPZA may revoke licences for failure to meet export obligations

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nepza.gov.ng Contact: Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA)

Legal Framework

Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act 1995, the Customs and Excise Management Act, the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, the Companies Income Tax Act 2004 (EPZ incentives provisions), and the Free Zones Act.