The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has assured investors operating in the Calabar Free Trade Zone of improved collaboration, transparent procedures, and stronger institutional support to address operational challenges and boost investor confidence.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday by the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command spokesperson, ASC Mrs Yireabasi Ukpong.

Mr Ukpong said that the new Acting Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, DCC Nkeiruka Nwala, gave the assurance during a visit to the zone.

Ms Nwala who met with the Director of the zone, Hajiya Binta Saeed, and other stakeholders, acknowledged concerns raised by investors over challenges affecting business operations.

She assured investors that the command was committed to creating a more supportive, transparent, and predictable operating environment.

“We recognise the concerns and challenges facing investors, and we are committed to addressing them through improved communication, cooperation, and adherence to established procedures,” she said.

She noted that investor confidence was critical to the success of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and Nigeria’s broader efforts to attract investments, expand international trade, and stimulate economic growth.

The acting area controller assured stakeholders that the issues raised during the engagement would receive the necessary attention to prevent a recurrence of similar challenges.

She stated, “We want to ensure that things are done the right way. Our objective is to improve coordination, follow proper procedures, and minimise avoidable disruptions to legitimate business activities.”

She emphasised that effective collaboration between the NCS, FTZ management, and investors was necessary to resolve operational difficulties and create a conducive business environment.

According to her, sustained engagement and mutual understanding among stakeholders will promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the zone.

Ms Saeed in her remarks noted that the engagement had provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review operational challenges and explore practical solutions towards ensuring smoother business activities.

She emphasised that the Calabar FTZ remained an important investment platform with the potential to support industrial development, facilitate international trade, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

She stressed that the renewed commitment by the customs command would reassure existing investors and encourage prospective investors about the importance of predictable regulations, efficient trade facilitation, and constructive engagement between government agencies and the private sector.

(NAN)