Customs Inspects Abuja Free Trade Zones, Reaffirms Commitment to Regulatory Compliance
By Bimpe Audu
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its regulatory oversight of Free Trade Zones in Abuja after working visits to Centenary City Free Zone, Abuja Technology Village Free Zone, and Diplomatic Village on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Habib Hassan, explained that the visits were part of his familiarisation and compliance-monitoring engagements following his appointment. He emphasised that Customs has a statutory responsibility to monitor activities within Free Trade Zones and ensure operators comply with relevant laws and regulations. “Our responsibility goes beyond identifying areas of non-compliance.
These engagements also provide an opportunity to recognise operators who have demonstrated commitment to regulatory requirements, identify observed lapses and understand the challenges affecting their operations. Genuine concerns and recommendations will receive the necessary attention,” he said.
At Centenary City Free Zone, Managing Director Ike Odenigwe described the visit as an important step toward strengthening engagement with the Service. He highlighted the zone’s ambition to position Abuja as a tourist attraction through local and international investments. “Our vision is to transform Abuja into a major economic destination by attracting investors and creating an enabling environment for investment, business development and economic activities,” he said.
Odenigwe explained that the master-planned smart city covers approximately 1,260 to 1,300 hectares and was conceived as a legacy project to commemorate Nigeria’s centenary anniversary in 2014. He also showcased ongoing developments, including a proposed building intended to become the tallest in Africa.
At Abuja Technology Village Free Zone, the Head of Administration, Ike Onuoha, who represented the Managing Director, congratulated Hassan on his appointment and commended the Command’s interest in understanding the facility’s operations. He explained that the zone was established to unlock Nigeria’s potential through technology, innovation and enterprise development. “Our vision is to harness the opportunities available in technology and innovation to promote enterprise development, attract investment and contribute to economic growth,” he said. He also took the delegation around existing businesses and projects under construction within the facility.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Diplomatic Village, Uche Odozor, received the delegation and toured the facility, highlighting its operations and available services. He explained that the establishment offers more than conventional duty-free shopping, with complementary facilities including a gym and fitness centre, coffee shop, clinic and pharmacy, and a spa and wellness centre. “We aim to provide a comprehensive lifestyle and commercial destination by bringing different services and facilities together within one environment,” he said.
