This isolated incident will not derail our determination to position Nigeria’s FTZs as preferred destinations for global investment
By Moses Okorie
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has applauded Zeberced, the developer and operator of the Abuja Industrial Park, for the steady progress recorded in the construction of the $300 million Free Trade Zone project in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a release issued on Friday in Abuja by Martins Odeh, Assistant Director and Head of Corporate Communications, NEPZA, the Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, gave the commendation during an inspection tour of the project site in Abuja on Thursday.
He noted that the speed and quality of work on the project validated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the Abuja Industrial Park as a Free Trade Zone, adding that it would play a major role in expanding Nigeria’s industrial base and export potential.
The 250-hectare facility, situated at the Idu Industrial Layout Phase IV, is projected to host over 170 manufacturing plants and generate about 40,000 jobs, with a focus on youth employment.
Ogunyemi also called on host communities to safeguard the project, stressing that a secure environment was critical to sustaining large-scale investments and ensuring long-term economic benefits.
However, the NEPZA chief raised concern over what he described as an unlawful intrusion into the industrial park by some youths from Jiwa on August 8, 2026.
He alleged that the group forcefully entered the premises and dismantled a section of the perimeter fence in an attempt to create an unauthorised access route.
Describing the incident as unacceptable, Ogunyemi warned that such actions pose a serious risk to investor confidence in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zone framework.
He reiterated that while NEPZA remains committed to maintaining strong relationships with host communities and addressing legitimate concerns, it would not condone encroachment, vandalism or theft within designated zones.
According to him, the act violates Section 13(1) of the NEPZA Act, which prohibits unauthorised entry, occupation or residence within a free trade zone.
“Beyond the immediate threat to lives and property, this kind of breach undermines investor confidence, disrupts industrial operations, and exposes investments to vandalism, theft and other security risks,” he said.
Ogunyemi disclosed that the Authority had already informed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as well as the FCT Commissioner of Police, to support the deployment of security measures to address the situation.
He added that NEPZA’s responsibility is to ensure a safe, stable and competitive environment for investors, noting that the incident fell short of that standard. He also acknowledged Zeberced’s contributions to surrounding communities and urged continued cooperation from residents.
The NEPZA boss further revealed that steps were being taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. These include consultations with the FCT Minister and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on improving road access around the industrial park, as well as a joint investigation with the Nigeria Police Force and FCT authorities to identify those involved and assess any internal lapses.
He said the Authority would also support the company in evaluating losses and mitigating operational disruptions.
Additional measures, according to him, include strengthening the perimeter fencing, installing more CCTV cameras and floodlights, and deploying round-the-clock internal and external security patrols within the zone.
Ogunyemi reassured current and prospective investors of NEPZA’s commitment to protecting lives and assets across all Free Trade Zones in the country.
“This isolated incident will not derail our determination to position Nigeria’s FTZs as preferred destinations for global investment,” he said.