Lagos — In line with efforts to attract foreign investment into Lagos State, the government has allocated N40.5 billion for the development of the Lekki Free Trade Zone into a world-class trade centre.


To that effect, a land use and infrastructure master plan for the 16,500 hectares has been approved by the government, which is expected to be equipped with modern facilities, including seaport, light rail, goad road network and telecommunications.

Speaking to journalists on Friday during a ministerial briefing in commemoration of the second year in office of Governor Babatunde Fashola, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Adeniyi Oyemade, said development of the Phase 1 of the zone had already commenced in collaboration with a Chinese Consortium, disclosing that foundation has been laid for construction of two standard workshops and factories for lease.

"With this gesture from the state government, it is expected that our Chinese partners would make their own contribution available within the next couple of weeks to expidite development at the site.

"With the receipt of funds, it is expected that the bush clearing and reclamation of land, construction of drainage channels and other activities for the provision of infrastructure would be aggressively pursue," he said.

Revealing that the Lekki Free Trade Zone project has provided job opportunities for 450 Nigerians, Oyemade said a Community Relations Committee has also been constituted to foster harmonious relationship between the state government and host communities, adding that provision is also being made for communities that may be relocated as a result of development in the zone.

The commissioner also disclosed plans by the state government to relocate auto dealers to the proposed Ultra Modern Market at Mowo Badagry in accordance with the government's effort to sanitise Lagos metropolis of the indiscriminate display and sale of automobiles, particularly on road setbacks that often contribute to environmental degradation and affect the free flow of traffic in the state.

He also revealed that the governor has approved the allocation of 10 hectares of land each at Ijanikin, Paravan Estate, Ikorodu and Lekki\Epe axis for the creation of three enterprise zones in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Link: http://allafrica.com/stories/200904061035.html

Another bold step taken!

Fingers crossed!!

This is positive governance in action. This state is lucky to have people who know what they are doing at the helm of affairs.