Khadijah Aliyu
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Kano Trade Zone (KFTZ) has convened the 2025 Investors and Stakeholders Forum, bringing together key actors from across the investment and regulatory landscape to strengthen collaboration and boost economic activities within the zone.
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The event, held at the KFTZ Conference Room, was attended by investors and representatives of major regulatory bodies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NDLEA, NESREA, Kano Emirate Council, and other relevant stakeholders.
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In his welcome address, the Head of the Kano Free Trade Zone, Mr Richard Bassey, revealed that the zone generated over ₦1.8 billion between January and October 2025, describing it as a clear indicator of rising investment and expanding economic activities within the zone.
Bassey explained that the Federal Government established the Free Zone Scheme now known as the Special Economic Zone Scheme to diversify the economy and shift focus from crude oil dependence to non-oil manufacturing and exports.
According to him, the Free Trade Zone serves as a strategic vehicle for encouraging investors in the non-oil sector to produce and manufacture goods specifically for export.
He stressed that the theme of the forum,
“Strengthening Partnership,” highlights the importance of collaboration among government agencies to ensure seamless operations.
“A tree cannot make a forest. We must work with relevant government agencies whose activities are key to the smooth running of the zone,” Bassey said.
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“That is why we collaborate with Customs, Immigration, SON, NAFDAC, and now NESREA, to position Nigeria as the preferred investment destination in Africa.”
He noted that an effective partnership gives investors the confidence and peace of mind they need to operate without bottlenecks.
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Bassey highlighted the zone’s one-stop shop operations system, where all regulatory approvals ranging from Customs to Immigration and NAFDAC are processed within the zone.
“Investors go to where they receive efficient services and have peace of mind. When we come together to ensure seamless operations, it improves service delivery and supports investor satisfaction,”
Citing NAFDAC as an example, Bassey explained that once land is allocated to an investor producing regulated items, the zone immediately introduces them to NAFDAC for guidance from the construction stage, helping prevent costly compliance errors before production begins.
He assured that the Free Trade Zone remains the safest, most efficient, and investor-friendly environment for businesses to thrive.
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“The Free Zone is the place to be. It is where investment dreams become reality. The only things we do not permit are arms, ammunition, and hazardous products. Everything else is welcome,” Bassey added.
He reaffirmed NEPZA’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to enhance service delivery and attract more investors into the Special Economic Zone.