The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has commended Zeberced, the management company of the Abuja Industrial Park, for accelerating construction on its $300 million Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in the Federal Capital Territory.
NEPZA Managing Director and Chief Executive, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, praised the project’s progress during a routine inspection of the site on Friday, noting that the development justifies the licensing granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Situated on a 250-hectare site in Phase IV of the Idu Industrial Layout, the park is projected to accommodate over 170 factories and generate approximately 40,000 jobs. Ogunyemi emphasized that the project will significantly boost Nigeria’s manufacturing indices and expand industrial activities within the FCT, while urging host communities to help safeguard the facility.
However, the inspection visit was accompanied by a stern warning regarding a recent security breach at the site. Ogunyemi expressed deep displeasure over an incident on August 8, during which a group identified as the Jiwa Youth unlawfully pulled down a section of the perimeter fence to construct an unauthorized access road.
Describing the encroachment as unacceptable and a direct threat to investor confidence, the NEPZA chief reiterated that unauthorized entry into a designated zone violates Section 13(1) of the NEPZA Act. He warned that such actions risk exposing critical investments to vandalism, theft, and operational disruption.
To address the security breach, NEPZA has alerted FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike and the FCT Commissioner of Police to deploy federal security resources to the area.
NEPZA outlined a series of immediate measures to resolve the situation and protect the zone, including:
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Engaging FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Minister of Works Sen. David Umahi to address the surrounding road network requirements.
- Security Operations: Launching a joint investigation with the Nigeria Police Force to identify the perpetrators and evaluate internal security gaps.
- Investor Support: Assisting Zeberced with loss assessments and steps to mitigate operational disruptions.
- Site Hardening: Rebuilding the perimeter fence, deploying additional CCTV cameras and floodlights, and instituting 24-hour internal and external patrols.
Ogunyemi reassured current and prospective investors that the safety of personnel and assets remains the authority’s primary concern, maintaining that the incident would not derail efforts to position Nigeria’s FTZs as competitive destinations for foreign direct investment.
