In Nigeria’s dynamic economy, free zones are special areas where businesses operate with eased customs and relaxed regulations, essentially serving as 'mini economies' designed to boost trade and industrial activity.
Nigeria now has 28 operational free zones spread across 13 states plus the FCT. These zones allow companies to benefit from lower taxes, fewer red tapes, and enhanced infrastructure, improving export performance and attracting international investment. Notably, Lagos dominates with 12 free zones, representing almost 43% of the total and underlining its role as a key commercial hub. Ogun and Rivers also stand out with 3 and 2 zones respectively, while several other states maintain one each.