The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, on Monday convened a high-level engagement with the Presidential Committee on Trade Malpractices (PCTM), led by its Chairman, Dahiru-Ado Kurawa.The meeting provided a platform for in-depth discussions on Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, with particular focus on the structure and operations of Free Trade Zones and their alignment with national economic objectives.In her opening remarks, Usman welcomed members of the committee and stressed the importance of trust, policy coherence, and sustained collaboration across government institutions. She highlighted the significance 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.Members of the committee shared insights from their ongoing work, raising concerns about the operational models of companies within Free Trade Zones, particularly those under the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority. Drawing comparisons with global best practices, including industrial clustering models in China, the discussions explored how similar strategies could be adapted to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic economy.Attention was also given to balancing the incentives offered within Free Trade Zones with the need to protect the competitiveness of local manufacturers.A key issue highlighted during the meeting was the longstanding divergence between the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and NEPZA, especially regarding the movement of goods from Free Trade Zones into the domestic market. The committee referenced earlier policy interventions aimed at regulating such inflows, noting that reforms in this area require careful calibration rather than abrupt adjustments.Participants acknowledged that while these reforms may be complex, they are both necessary and urgent to ensure fairness and sustainability within the trade system.In her closing remarks, Usman reaffirmed her office’s commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and advancing policies that promote fair competition while safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to sustain collaboration in tackling trade malpractices and ensuring that Nigeria’s trade framework delivers inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
