The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has commended Zeberced, the management company of the Abuja Industrial Park, for accelerating the construction of the $300 million Free Trade Zone (FTZ) project in the Federal Capital Territory.

‎The Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, gave the commendation during a routine inspection of the project site in Abuja on Friday, saying the pace of construction justified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to license the Abuja Industrial Park as a Free Trade Zone.

‎Ogunyemi said the investment would strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing and export capacity, adding that the 250-hectare park, located in Idu Industrial Layout Phase IV, is expected to accommodate more than 170 factories and create about 40,000 jobs.

‎He urged host communities to protect the project and provide a secure environment capable of attracting and retaining investments of such magnitude, noting that the success of the industrial park would contribute to increased economic activity in the FCT.

‎However, the NEPZA boss expressed concern over the alleged unlawful invasion of the zone by youths from Jiwa community on August 8, during which a section of the perimeter fence was reportedly pulled down to create an unauthorised access road.

‎He described the incident as unacceptable and warned that such actions could undermine investor confidence, disrupt industrial activities and expose businesses operating within the zone to vandalism, theft, trespass and other security threats.

‎Ogunyemi said NEPZA had notified the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, while the Authority would also meet with the Ministers of the FCT and Works, as well as the Nigeria Police Force, to address the security concerns and investigate those responsible for the breach.

He added that measures being introduced include reinforcing the perimeter fence, installing additional CCTV cameras and floodlights, and providing 24-hour internal and external security patrols.

Ogunyemi assured existing and prospective investors that NEPZA remained committed to providing a secure and globally competitive environment, saying the incident would not deter the Authority from making Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones a preferred destination for global investment.