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West African opportunity for security sector

Not only does Nigeria have one of the most developed economies in Africa, it is also one of the fastest growing, especially in terms of telecommunications and petroleum production – industries which are often vulnerable to crime and security risks.

Such growth always presents opportunity for security operators, as was witnessed at the first-ever IFSEC West Africa 2011 Security Exhibition and Conference. The event attracted over 90 exhibitors and a total of 2 214 visitors from across Africa, Europe and North America.

“UBM Montgomery is proud to announce the return of ISFEC West Africa in 2012,” says Ross Cullingworth, director of sales and marketing, Montgomery Africa. “After the success of the inaugural event, we are excited to establish the expo and conference as the must-attend event on the African security calendar. Nigeria is the perfect place to host it – a country rich in economic potential and the new face of an emerging African continent.”

With a security market valued at $3,5 billion, according to a Frost & Sullivan market survey and a GDP which has increased year-on-year, businesses can no longer afford to overlook West Africa as a prime security market. As such, IFSEC West Africa is strategically positioned to address the developmental needs of this emerging and economically viable region.

IFSEC West Africa 2012 will be held from 6-7 March 2012 in Lagos, the nerve centre of the fast-growing West Africa region. Once again it is poised to become the definitive event for this emerging security market; it will cover aspects of the commercial and government security, as well as the fire and safety market.

The event is aimed at CEOs, managing directors, senior security decision makers and security consultants, including engineers and technicians, sales and developmental managers, as well as key project managers.

Furthermore, the 2012 itinerary includes the free-to-attend IFSEC West Africa Conference, hosted alongside the exhibition. High-level speakers will deliver keen insight into the security market to an audience of senior management and decision makers from some of Africa and the world’s top companies.

“This is an ideal opportunity to not only unpack and explore important issues within the industry but also a great networking opportunity for both visitors and exhibitors,” Cullingworth points out. “It is an excellent platform to generate multiple sales leads, engage face-to-face with key decision makers and grow a brand’s security footprint into the West African region.”

Speaker themes at the conference will include strategic crime prevention and policing in the region, including private security partnerships with law enforcement. The conference will also look at the critical importance of protecting the region’s national oil and gas pipeline.

Furthermore, it will look at how the industry can integrate technological advancements with physical security components. Speakers will also look at strategies to improve aviation security, especially in regard to counter-terrorism measures across West Africa. Most importantly, it will also look at the future of private security in this rapidly developing region.

The benefit of attending IFSEC West Africa 2011, Cullingworth adds, is that it will give a clear 360° view of the Nigerian and West African security markets. “It will not only show you the current security landscape but will give you insight into the future – what the needs and requirements will be going forward. This will give security brands an opportunity to tailor their security products and installations, maintenance and training offerings,” he says.

Exhibitors at the event include a wide range of various security providers that specialise in electronic security, CCTV, access control, physical security, vehicle and personnel tracking devices, armoured vehicles, scanners and guarding services.

IFSEC West Africa will be held at Eko Expo Centre, a 5-star luxury complex on Victoria Island, within the commercial and financial hub of Lagos, Nigeria. Running from 6-7 March 2012, the event is an ideal destination to develop and grow business across the region; it also offers an opportunity to engage with government bodies and other leading security associations.

For further information contact Sean Osterloh, Montgomery Africa, +27 (0)11 835 1565, seano@montgomeryafrica.com

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