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Kano Free Trade Zone Achieves Over N18 Billion in Revenue Amid Economic Expansion
In 2025, the Kano Free Trade Zone has experienced a remarkable boost in economic performance, generating upwards of N18 billion in total revenue. This financial milestone was driven by coordinated efforts between the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Nigeria Customs Service, reflecting the zone’s expanding operational capacity.
Significant Revenue Contributions Highlight Operational Efficiency
Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of NEPZA, announced these figures during the 2025 Kano Free Trade Zone Investors and Stakeholders Forum held recently in Kano. He revealed that NEPZA alone contributed over N1.8 billion internally, while Customs duties and levies from the zone accounted for approximately N17 billion from January through October. These numbers underscore the zone’s growing influence as a hub for trade and industrial activity.
Collaborative Forum Focuses on Enhancing Service Delivery
The two-day forum, themed “Strengthening Partnerships for Efficient Service Delivery in the Free Trade Zone,” convened a diverse group of stakeholders including investors, government officials, and regulatory bodies. Discussions centered on improving operational frameworks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering stronger inter-agency cooperation to streamline processes within the zone.
Driving Nigeria’s Shift Toward Non-Oil Industrial Growth
Ogunyemi emphasized that the revenue surge is a clear indicator of the zone’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s broader economic diversification strategy, moving away from oil dependency toward export-driven industrialization. “The increasing volume of investments within the zone highlights its transformative impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape,” he stated.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance Take Center Stage
Kassim Ibrahim, Kano State coordinator for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), stressed the critical importance of adhering to stringent safety, quality, and efficacy standards in the production of food and pharmaceuticals. He warned that lapses in compliance not only jeopardize individual companies but also damage Nigeria’s reputation in international markets.
To bolster regulatory oversight, Ibrahim announced plans to implement unannounced inspections aimed at enhancing post-market surveillance and ensuring ongoing adherence to standards.
Inter-Agency Cooperation Fuels Zone’s Success
Richard Bassi, head of the Kano Free Trade Zone, attributed the zone’s impressive performance to the seamless collaboration among NEPZA, NAFDAC, Customs, and other regulatory agencies. “Sustained teamwork is vital to maintaining investor trust and building on the progress achieved so far,” he remarked.
Federal Government’s Vision for Economic Diversification
The forum also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s economy by promoting non-oil sectors. Central to this effort is the zone’s innovative ‘One Stop Shop’ system, which consolidates approvals from immigration, NAFDAC, Customs, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. This integrated approach enhances transparency, expedites processes, and instills confidence among investors, thereby attracting substantial capital inflows and driving the zone’s robust revenue growth.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Growth and Investment
With the Kano Free Trade Zone’s revenue surpassing N18 billion and its operational framework continually improving, the zone is poised to remain a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial and export ambitions. As global trade dynamics evolve, the zone’s emphasis on regulatory compliance, inter-agency collaboration, and investor-friendly policies will be crucial in sustaining its upward trajectory.
