Calabar FTZ: Customs Assures Investors Of Improved Ease Of Doing Business
Calabar FTZ: Customs Assures Investors Of Improved Ease Of Doing Business
By Success Okezie
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged to address operational challenges confronting investors at the Calabar Free Trade Zone (FTZ), with a promise to improve coordination, ensure transparent procedures and strengthen stakeholder engagement to create a more conducive business environment.
The assurance was given by the Acting Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Nkeiruka Nwala, during an official visit to the zone.
Nwala, who met with the Director of the Calabar FTZ, Hajiya Binta Saeed, alongside other stakeholders and investors operating within the zone, said the Command was determined to resolve bottlenecks affecting business operations and restore investor confidence.
In a statement made available to newsmen, the Command’s spokesperson, ASC Mrs Yireabasi Ukpong, said the engagement provided a platform for investors to bare their minds on operational difficulties hindering their businesses, ranging from procedural delays to coordination gaps.
Responding to the concerns raised, Nwala acknowledged the challenges and assured investors that the Command was committed to addressing them through improved communication, closer cooperation and strict adherence to established procedures.
“We recognise the concerns and challenges facing investors, and we are committed to addressing them through improved communication, cooperation, and adherence to established procedures,” she said.
She described investor confidence as critical not only to the success of the Free Trade Zone but also to Nigeria’s broader ambition of attracting both local and foreign direct investment, expanding international trade and stimulating sustainable economic growth.
The Acting Area Controller further assured stakeholders that all issues raised during the interactive session would be given the necessary attention, with a view to preventing a recurrence of disruptions to legitimate business activities within the zone.
“We want to ensure that things are done the right way. Our objective is to improve coordination, follow proper procedures, and minimise avoidable disruptions to legitimate business activities,” she stated.
Nwala emphasised that effective cooperation among the Customs Service, FTZ management and investors was essential to resolving operational difficulties, improving efficiency and ensuring accountability in the administration of the zone.
According to her, sustained engagement and mutual understanding among stakeholders remain key to promoting transparency, building trust and creating a predictable environment where businesses can thrive.
She noted that the Customs Service, as a key facilitator of trade, has a responsibility to balance enforcement with trade facilitation, ensuring that legitimate businesses are not unduly hampered while regulatory compliance is maintained.
In her remarks, the Director of the Calabar FTZ, Hajiya Binta Saeed, said the meeting offered stakeholders a valuable opportunity to review existing operational challenges and identify practical, workable solutions to ensure smoother business activities within the zone.
Saeed described the Calabar FTZ as a strategic investment platform with immense potential to drive industrial development, facilitate international trade, generate employment and strengthen Nigeria’s economic competitiveness in the West African sub-region.
She expressed confidence that the renewed commitment shown by the Customs Command would reassure existing investors and send a positive signal to prospective investors considering the Calabar FTZ as an investment destination.
She added that predictable regulations, efficient trade facilitation and constructive engagement between government agencies and the private sector were vital ingredients for the growth and long-term viability of the zone.
Stakeholders at the meeting commended the Customs Command for the engagement, expressing optimism that the assurances given would translate into concrete actions that would improve ease of doing business at the Calabar Free Trade Zone.
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