The Kano Free Trade Zone has revealed a major surge in economic activity in 2025, generating over ₦18 billion in combined revenue through operations led by the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Nigeria Customs Service.
NEPZA Managing Director, Olufemi Ogunyem disclosed at the 2025 Kano Free Trade Zone Investors and Stakeholders Forum held in Kano on Wednesday.
According to him, NEPZA internally generated more than ₦1.8 billion, while Customs revenue from the zone amounted to ₦17 billion between January and October, highlighting the zone’s growing capacity and efficiency.
The forum, which included a two-day workshop themed “Strengthening Partnerships for Efficient Service Delivery in the Free Trade Zone,” brought together investors, regulatory agencies, and government representatives to discuss operational improvements, regulatory compliance, and collaboration strategies.
Ogunyemi said the revenue growth underscores the zone’s potential as a major driver of non-oil industrialisation and export-led growth.
“The volume of investment within the zone continues to rise, and these achievements demonstrate its role in transforming Nigeria’s economic landscape,” he said.
Kassim Ibrahim, Kano State coordinator for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, emphasised the importance of strict compliance with safety, quality, and efficacy standards in food and drug production.
“Failure to meet standards does not just affect companies; it undermines NAFDAC and Nigeria’s credibility in global markets,” he said.
Ibrahim also highlighted plans to allow unannounced inspections to strengthen post-marketing surveillance.
Richard Bassi, head of the Kano Free Trade Zone, attributed the zone’s success to strong collaboration among NEPZA, NAFDAC, Customs, and other regulatory agencies.
“Continued teamwork is essential for sustaining investor confidence and consolidating recent gains,” he said.
The forum underscores the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy from crude oil to non-oil sectors.
The PUNCH