Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday, gave an assurance that his administration will fast track the development of the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ), an emerging hub for foreign and local investors in the state.
The Governor who made the pledge while inspecting the LFTZ at Ibeju Lekki area of the state, said his administration will provide the necessary incentives required to hasten the development of the Zone expected to accommodate series of investments.
Governor Ambode spent about four hours inspecting the Free Trade Zone which seats on a 16, 000 hectares of land expected to harbour the $11 billion Dangote Refinery and other multi billion dollars investments driven by consortium of Chinese companies.
He expressed optimism that when the Zone commences optimal operations, it would go a long way to boost economic prosperity of not only Lagos state, but also Nigeria as a whole.
"I came here to see the level of development that is going on here. The Free Trade Zone is a major catalyst for the development of Lagos State. It was started during the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and continued by my predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. Whatever it is that we need to do together alongside with the community, we have gotten their commitment that we would join hands together to move this project forward."
The governor said his administration will also look at the Lekki Seaport which has been idle for about nine years, promising that work will commence in earnest.
Ambode said, "There is no way we would have this Free Trade Zone if the port is not activated. It needs to be reviewed. My administration will look at it and make sure the port is activated and construction starts immediately.
Governor Ambode who had earlier listened to the complaints of community leaders and residents in the area on the power outage they have endured for about five years, assured that his administration will intervene.
"I also want to assure the people here that the issue of electricity will be looked at. It’s surprising that some communities here do not have electricity in the last five years. In the next four weeks something must happen. It is totally unacceptable and we would make sure that we bring succor to our people.
"That is why we are in government and that is what they have told us that we should do and that is what we will do everyday in this administration."
He lauded the community and the consortium of Chinese Companies for supporting the state in the project.
He also commended the residents of Ibeju Lekki community for their peaceful way of accommodating the project, appealing for more perseverance for the completion of the project as it would be a last long investment for the state and the country at large.
"I am happy for the peaceful way the residents conducted themselves, especially with the release of their land. I assure you all that all of us will benefit greatly when completed", he said.
He also assured the residents that qualified youths will be considered for employment into agencies of the government.
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