By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has warned that the unlawful invasion of the Abuja Industrial Park could undermine investor confidence in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones.
A statement on Staurday says NEPZA Managing Director, Olufemi Ogunyemi, issued the warning during a routine inspection of the $300 million industrial park in Abuja.
The warning followed an August 8 incident involving some Jiwa youths, who allegedly pulled down part of the park’s perimeter fence to create an unauthorised access road.
The statement by Martins Odeh, Assistant Director/Head of Corporate Communications, NEPZA, says Ogunyemi describes the action as unacceptable and a direct threat to investor confidence.
He said NEPZA would not tolerate encroachment, destruction or theft within the zone.
The NEPZA boss cited Section 13(1) of the NEPZA Act, which prohibits anyone from entering, remaining in or residing in a free trade zone without prior permission from the Authority.
He warned that such breaches could expose people and property to vandalism, theft, trespass and other security threats.
NEPZA said it had alerted FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCT Commissioner of Police over the incident.
The Authority will also work with the Nigeria Police Force and the FCT administration to identify those responsible and investigate any internal lapses.
It said the park’s perimeter fence would be reinforced, while additional CCTV cameras and floodlights would be installed.
The Authority also plans to introduce 24-hour internal and external patrols across the zone.
Meanwhile, Ogunyemi commended Zeberced, the management company of the Abuja Industrial Park, for accelerating construction of the facility.
Located in Idu Industrial Layout Phase IV, the 250-hectare park is expected to accommodate more than 170 factories.
NEPZA said the project could create about 40,000 jobs and expand industrial activities in the Federal Capital Territory.
Ogunyemi said the progress had justified the Federal Government’s decision to license the Abuja Industrial Park as a Free Trade Zone.
He urged host communities to protect the project and maintain a secure environment capable of attracting large-scale investments.
NEPZA also said Ogunyemi would meet with Wike and Works Minister David Umahi to discuss the road network around the industrial park.
The Authority assured existing and prospective investors that the safety of personnel and assets remained a priority.
It said the incident would not deter its commitment to making Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones attractive to global investors.
