General
Committee Makes Recommendations for Smooth FTZ Operations
By Adedapo Adesanya
The tripartite of the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Managing Director/CEO of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) have received a six-point recommendation report on the Free Trade Zones Operational Remodelling.
The committee was constituted on July 28 when Mr Adesoji Adesugba, MD/CEO of NEPZA, his counterpart, Mr Tijjani Kaura MFR MD/CEO OGFZA, and Mr Toyin Elegbede, Exeutive-Secretary of the Nigeria Economic Zones Association (NEZA) visited the Acting Customs chief, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to demand the streamlining of customs’ operations within the free zones.
The report was presented by Mr Toyin Elegbede, Chairman of the committee, who expressed delight in the confidence reposed on the members of the committee to undertake the onerous assignment.
He stated that the prompt implementation of the committee’s report would help reposition the scheme for a greater impact on the economy.
“While I thank you, the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, the Managing Directors/CEOs of NEPZA and OGFZA, on behalf of other members of the committee for the confidence reposed on us to carry out this assignment, please permit me to present the Report of the committee for your consideration,’’ Mr Elegbede said.
The recommendations included the stoppage of irregular invitations of Free Zone Enterprises to the customs headquarters on procedural matters that should be handled by the Area Controllers, including approval for local purchases, rents and hires.
The committee also prescribed the immediate integration of all Free Zone Enterprises into the IM5 (5900) customs operations portal and to redesign it to resolve the VAT implication for sales to the Customs territory.
The recommendation further requested the immediate formulation of SOPs and Procedure Codes for both Intra and Inter Zone Sales, Imports of vehicles, capital goods, spare parts, equipment, furniture, and fixtures destined for consumption within the free zone.
Furthermore, the committee requested the service to allow the exports of finished and processed goods containing 100 per cent local raw materials with minimum stipulated VAT either mentioned in the Import Prohibition list of customs or in the 44 restricted items of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) FX ban list.
In addition, the committee recommended the immediate creation of Procedure Codes that would kickstart the implementation of the Federal Ministry of Finance Circular No. F182079 dated December 22, 2022, and letter Ref. No. HMFBNP/NCS/LPG/10/2022 dated October 4, 2022, respectively, on some specific incentives.
The report listed the incentives to include a 75 per cent Duty Rebate for approved products in Oil and Gas gas-free zones and the exemption of domestic production and sale of LPG from customs duty and VAT.
The rest of the incentives are to comply with regulatory procedures provided in OGFZA and NEPZA Regulations with respect to inspection of free zones containers without the knowledge of the Authorities, delay in the inspection of cargo, stoppage of cargo in transit, and raising queries on importation of same as well as posting of customs officers to the free zones without the knowledge of the two Authorities.
Finally, the committee recommended expeditious harmonization of all the areas of conflict contained in the legal frameworks of NCS, NEPZA, and OGFZA, respectively.
The customs boss promised to immediately adopt those recommendations that fell within the operational policy of the service for implementation.
“We must do what is necessary to boost the economy. I was worried to hear that some of our actions had inhibited the free flow of revenues from the scheme.
“We were meant to have a coordinated collaboration and cooperation to ensure the country obtains significant benefits from the free zone scheme. All hands must now be on deck to make that happen.
“In demonstrating our commitment to streamline our policy and operations for effective management of the free zones, I wish to suggest that this committee is converted to become the Implementation Committee that will midwife the implementation of these recommendations. I wish to thank all of you for a job well done,’’ the Acting CGC said.
On their parts, Mr Adesugba and Mr Kaura applauded the genuine commitment of the new customs boss toward addressing all the listed conflict areas, noting that the two regulatory bodies and the entire free trade zones’ stakeholders through NEZA would scale up collaboration with the service to make the scheme more attractive.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has approached the court against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over an alleged N800 billion campaign fund diversion.
The organisation is seeking to compel the electoral body to investigate allegations that about N800 million from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations was diverted by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to finance political and campaign activities.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, but no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the claims that the governors channelled public funds into a dedicated campaign account allegedly meant to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The organisation is also requesting an order compelling INEC to demand full disclosure from the governors and the APC on any contributions made to such a campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.
In addition, SERAP wants the electoral commission to commence a comprehensive review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act by political parties and candidates, particularly regarding campaign financing and the sources of political donations.
According to SERAP, the allegations raise fundamental concerns about transparency in political financing, electoral fairness and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate freely in democratic governance.
The organisation argued that opaque campaign financing remains a major avenue for corruption and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions.
It maintained that the alleged misuse of public funds for political purposes threatens the credibility of the 2027 general election and undermines public trust in the electoral process.
In the suit filed by its lawyers, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Kehinde Oyewumi, SERAP argued that the reported diversion of public resources for campaign activities warrants immediate action by INEC under its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
The group stated: “The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. Fairness, transparency, and accountability in political or campaign finance are essential safeguards against corruption, state capture, and undue influence in democratic processes.”
SERAP further argued: “The allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.”
The organisation said large-scale public financial allocations, combined with weak oversight and limited transparency, provide sufficient grounds for INEC to activate its investigative powers.
Referring to Section 91 of the Electoral Act, SERAP noted that the law empowers INEC to regulate political donations, enforce contribution limits, demand disclosure of funding sources and impose sanctions where violations occur.
The organisation explained that political parties found to have exceeded donation limits risk fines of up to ₦10 million and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals who exceed prescribed limits are liable to penalties amounting to five times the excess contribution.
SERAP also contended that campaign financing derived from public resources distorts electoral competition and violates constitutional principles guaranteeing free, fair and transparent elections.
According to SERAP, INEC has a constitutional duty to ensure compliance with campaign finance regulations and to investigate allegations that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the deadline for political parties to submit the names and credentials of candidates seeking to contest the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
The electoral body announced that parties now have until midnight on Tuesday, July 14, to complete the process, extending the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11.
Under INEC’s timetable for the 2027 general election, political parties were expected to upload the names and personal particulars of their presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates before the initial cut-off date.
Explaining the decision, INEC said the extension followed appeals from political parties that had encountered difficulties meeting the deadline.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Haruna, said the request was formally conveyed through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
According to him, IPAC sought additional time on behalf of parties that were yet to complete the submission of their candidates’ details through the commission’s portal.
“The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline,” Mr Haruna stated.
INEC noted that the extension is intended to give all eligible parties a fair opportunity to comply with the requirements of the electoral process while remaining within the framework of the law.
The commission also urged political parties to utilise the extra period to finalise and upload all required information ahead of the revised deadline.
“The commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” the statement added.
By Dipo Olowookere
Nigeria’s Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima, will run as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu retained Mr Shettima as his running mate for re-election next year, according to the National Chairman of the APC, Mr Nentawe Yilwatda.
In a post on Friday on X, the ruling party chairman described this as “another significant milestone in the journey of our great party.”
He also said it reaffirms the party’s collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.
It was gathered that Mr Tinubu submitted his presidential nomination forms today through his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Mr Ibrahim Masari.
The submission was done ceremony at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, attended by several party chieftains, including The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Mr Hope Uzodimma; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, as well as other governors, party executives and critical stakeholders from across the federation.
“The All Progressives Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working together to build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all,” the party leader stated.
