By Ladi Patrick
Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority has unveiled its groundbreaking Automated E-Platform for the Free Trade Zone ,FTZ, scheme, a development hailed as a significant step towards the digitalization and modernization of Nigeria’s economic zones.
The platform is expected to revolutionize how the FTZ scheme operates, ensuring transparency, streamlining processes, and attracting more investments into the country.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the initiative, NEPZA’s Managing Director, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, emphasized the critical need for digitalization in today’s global economy.
“There is a growing consensus that we must digitalize to operate seamlessly. This system will help block revenue leakages while ensuring more efficient operations”, he said.
He highlighted that the application is locally developed, reflecting NEPZA’s commitment to leveraging indigenous technology to address local challenges.
The platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with various government agency systems, creating a single-window framework for all activities within the Free Trade Zones.
According to the Managing Director, this innovation will allow businesses and investors from around the world to complete necessary processes remotely, eliminating the need for physical visits to Nigeria.
“This will increase visibility for our Free Trade Zones, attract more investments, and make Nigeria a more competitive investment destination”, he added.
The NEPZA Boss disclosed that the digitalization process has been in development for the past 12 months, with significant collaboration from the team and partner agencies.
“We have reached a point where both sides are ready to sign off and implement this system. This is vital for improving transparency, strengthening processes, and fostering collaboration with sister agencies. It is the best way forward for NEPZA”, he stated.
He further revealed that the platform is not just a short-term solution but a legacy project that will serve NEPZA and its stakeholders for many years.
“We are requiring all Free Trade Zones to fully digitalize within the next 12 months. This will become a mandatory requirement for all zones licensed in Nigeria, ensuring consistency and accountability across the board”, he added.
The Managing Director, NEOTERA Mohammed Isma, highlighted the core features of the new platform, which focuses on simplifying and securing critical processes such as enterprise registration and the issuance of plate numbers.
“We have fully digitalized the process of enterprise registration and added advanced security features to certificates and licenses. Agents working with NEPZA can now easily validate documents, ensuring authenticity and reducing fraud”, he explained.
The platform is also equipped with enhanced security measures to safeguard sensitive information and streamline interactions between NEPZA, investors, and other government agencies.
According to Isma “This is a landmark project for NEPZA. Our vision is to make it a platform that simplifies operations and improves efficiency, ultimately benefiting investors and the country’s economy”.
The Automated E-Platform is expected to have a far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s economy by improving revenue collection, fostering transparency, and creating a more investor-friendly environment.
With the ability to track information digitally, the system minimizes inefficiencies and strengthens oversight, enabling NEPZA to better manage resources and enhance service delivery.
“This project underscores our commitment to moving the country forward through digital transformation. It will not only strengthen our processes but also improve revenue generation and position Nigeria as a leading destination for global investments”, the NEOTERA Managing Director concluded
