Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of NEPZA, reveals that the Lekki Textile and Garment Special Economic Zone project will create over 25,000 jobs, benefiting local communities in Epe, Lagos. The federal government is committed to regenerating host communities and attracting foreign investment.
The Lekki Textile and Garment Special Economic Zone (SEZ), located in the Eyin-Osa area of Epe, Lagos State, is set to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 5,000 direct jobs and over 20,000 indirect jobs once operational, according to Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
Ogunyemi made the announcement while distributing cash compensation to seven families from Eyin-Osa who contributed a total of 240.09 acres of land for the project.
The ceremony, which took place in Abuja, was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure the project benefits the local community, which is expected to see improvements in infrastructure and other socio-economic developments.
Represented by Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, Director of Zone Operations at NEPZA, Ogunyemi expressed the importance of the Lekki SEZ project in driving the economic growth of the region.
He emphasized that the scheme aligns with the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) while fostering the development of host communities.
“The Lekki Textile and Garment SEZ will not only generate jobs but will also provide opportunities for backward linkages, enhance infrastructure, and contribute to the export markets in the South-West region,” Ogunyemi said.
He also revealed plans for replicating this economic model across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, encouraging other states to tap into the potential for rapid development offered by such schemes.
The Lekki SEZ, which will serve as a hub for textile and garment industries, is also expected to host Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs, agro-industries, and world-class sports and community development centers.
Muftau Shittu, President of the Eyin-Osa United Kingdom Development Association, which represents the host community, expressed gratitude for the compensation and the federal government’s commitment to regenerating the land.
He highlighted the historical significance of the land to the community, noting that the area had been inhabited by their ancestors for over 500 years.
Shittu also acknowledged the challenges faced by the community due to land grabbers and the expropriation of land for the Lekki Free Trade Zone in 2008.
“We are delighted today for this humane approach of the federal government through NEPZA. We are happy to cede the total of 240.09 acres to NEPZA for the economic emancipation of our land,” he said.
This move by NEPZA is part of broader efforts to ensure that economic zones not only foster industrial growth but also improve the quality of life for local communities by providing jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing local economies.
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