The National Assembly and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority have jointly emphasized the need for Free Trade Zone operators and enterprises to adopt more impactful strategies for the development and regeneration of their host communities.
This consensus was reached during a two-day inspection of Free Trade Zones in Lagos State’s Lekki axis, led by NEPZA’s Managing Director, Olufemi Ogunyemi, and members of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, expressed concern about the current state of Corporate Social Responsibility efforts by FTZ operators.
He called for a measurable and well-defined approach to ensuring sustainable development for host communities.
“We are delighted with the significant contributions of the Free Trade Zone scheme to our nation’s economy. From what we have observed, the Lekki Quadrant offers an excellent environment that has become an economic gateway for Nigeria.
“However, it is crucial for host communities to benefit more directly from these developments. We want accurate data on CSR interventions, progressive reports on beneficiaries’ well-being, and the measurable impact on these communities. Deliberate efforts must also be made to regenerate the entire Lekki environment to ensure prosperity for all,” he added.
Dr. Ogunyemi echoed Senator Umar’s sentiments, stressing the urgency for FTZ operators to adopt a Community Social Regeneration Concept.
He stated that such efforts would foster mutual respect, sustainability, and development in areas surrounding Free Trade Zones.
“We must give credit to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose foresight designated this area for economic growth. The regeneration of host communities will strengthen the relationship between operators and their hosts while bridging the development gap,” Ogunyemi said.
He further emphasized the operators’ obligation to prioritize the well-being of their host communities to prevent potential conflicts and encroachments.
“Let us not allow this scheme to perpetuate the unpopular narrative of ‘two cities’ one of wealth and the other of squalor. Community regeneration is a deliberate agenda we have championed over the past year to ensure the scheme benefits all stakeholders, especially the local population,” he added.
The delegation visited several key locations, including the Lekki Free Zone (LFZ), Dangote Free Zone Enterprise (DFZE) encompassing the Dangote Refinery, Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), Lekki Deep Seaport, and various other enterprises within the zones.
Ogunyemi reaffirmed that the Free Trade Zone scheme’s long-term success and reciprocal advantages will be ensured by encouraging development inside these areas.
The inspection made clear that in order to promote significant socioeconomic progress, FTZ operators, government officials, and host communities must work together.
