The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, and Head, CRDCU Hadiza Bala Usman today convened a high-level engagement with the Presidential Committee on Trade Malpractices (PCTM), led by its Chairman, Mallam Dahiru-Ado Kurawa.
The meeting created an opportunity for robust and focused discussions on Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, with particular attention on the structure and operations of Free Trade Zones and their alignment with national economic objectives.
In her opening remarks, the Special Adviser welcomed members of the Committee and underscored the importance of trust, policy coherence, and sustained collaboration across government institutions. She highlighted the critical role of the Committee’s ongoing review of Free Trade Zone activities in ensuring that policy frameworks remain coordinated, effective, and responsive across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The Committee shared key insights from its ongoing work, raising concerns around the operational models of companies within Free Trade Zones, particularly those under NEPZA. Drawing comparisons with global best practices, including industrial clustering models in China, discussions explored how similar approaches can be adapted to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic economy. Attention was also given to the delicate balance between incentives offered within the zones and the need to protect the competitiveness of local manufacturers.
A key area of focus during the discussion was the longstanding divergence between the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and NEPZA, especially regarding the movement of goods from Free Trade Zones into the domestic market. The Committee referenced previous policy interventions aimed at managing these inflows, noting that reforms in this area require careful calibration rather than abrupt adjustments. There was a shared recognition that while such reforms may be complex, they are both necessary and urgent.
In her closing remarks, the Special Adviser reaffirmed her office’s commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight, deepening inter-agency coordination, and advancing policies that promote fair competition while protecting Nigeria’s economic interests. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by all parties to sustain collaboration in tackling trade malpractices and ensuring that Nigeria’s trade framework delivers inclusive and sustainable economic value.
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