The Nigeria Economic Zones Association, NEZA, has applauded growing calls for a ten-year moratorium on the implementation of the National Tax Policy, NTA, within Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones, FTZs.
Executive Secretary of NEZA, Mr. Toyin Elegbede, in a statement, commended the Managing Directors of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, OGFZA, for leading sustained advocacy for tax holidays in the zones.
Elegbede described the position as bold, forward-looking, and timely, noting that it aligns squarely with NEZA’s longstanding concerns as articulated in the Association’s official press release of September 1, 2025.
He cautioned that the abrupt application of the National Tax Policy without a clearly defined transitional framework would be counterproductive, warning that it could trigger capital flight, undermine investor confidence, and discourage fresh investments into the Free Zone scheme.
According to him, the proposed ten-year moratorium would serve as a critical strategic buffer, creating room for policy harmonisation, structured investor engagement, regulatory clarity, and the design of a globally competitive incentives framework specifically tailored to zone-based enterprises.
“NEZA views the proposal for a ten-year moratorium as a pragmatic and strategic intervention that will safeguard existing investments while positioning Nigeria’s Free Zones to compete effectively on the global stage,” Elegbede said.
He further urged NEPZA and OGFZA to sustain their collaborative advocacy efforts to protect the integrity of the Free Zone scheme, reaffirming NEZA’s readiness to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that policy reforms do not erode the competitiveness, attractiveness, and long-term sustainability of Free Zones in Nigeria.
“We view the proposal for a ten-year moratorium as a strategic buffer that allows for policy harmonisation, investor engagement, regulatory clarity, and the development of a globally competitive incentives framework tailored for zone-based enterprises.
“NEZA urges NEPZA and OGFZA to continue their collaborative advocacy to preserve the integrity of the Free Zone scheme. We remain committed to working with all relevant authorities to ensure that no policy undermines the competitiveness and sustainability of Free Zones in Nigeria,” Elegbede said.
