FG creates special security outfit for free trade zones

The Federal Government has established a Special Economic Zones Security (SEZSEC) outfit in a bid to protect the 46 free trade zones.

These free trade zones, according to the government, needs to be protected from economic sabotage.

While being tasked with the job of safeguarding investments, the SEZSEC outfit is also expected to complement the services rendered by the Directorate of State Security (DSS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, disclosed this in Abuja during the decoration of 37 officers drawn from various academic disciplines.

Adebayo said: “The reason we decided to establish the unit is to provide adequate security for lives, properties and investments in the free trade zones. This bold step will help to build the confidence of investors, owners of enterprises in the zones and prospective investors alike.”

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He said the government was hopeful that the new development would bring in more foreign direct investment (FDI). The Minister also stated that it is natural for investments to be made where security is guaranteed, hence protection of the free trade zones.

Mr Adebayo warned the officers that “government will not hesitate in rewarding hard work.” He added that government will not be shy in punishing any offender “who runs foul of the law.”

“SEZSEC officers are highly-informed and we’ll trained” – Adesugba

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof Adesoji Adesugba siaid the batch of officers were trained between May 23 and June 23.

He said the training occurred at the State Security Service Academy in Lagos to boost the security architecture of the free trade zone in the country.

While speaking, Prof Adesugba said: “It took Nigeria 29 years to develop two public FTZs. But it took this administration only seven years to establish six special economic zones in Lagos, Ilorin, Katsina, Benue, Gombe and Sokoto.

“As we begin the real expansion of the scheme in Nigeria, we are compelled to develop these highly-informed and trained officers to safeguard the multi-billion-dollar business corridors.”