The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has praised successive administrations in the state for their continued commitment to the economic development of Epe Division.
The party’s spokesperson in Lagos State, Oluseye Oladejo, gave the commendation in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday, following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s announcement on the proposed airport project.
Oladejo said construction of the proposed Epe International Airport was expected to commence in 2027, adding that the project would boost the economic potential of the Lekki-Epe corridor.
He described the announcement as a major milestone in Lagos State’s development agenda and an indication of the importance of continuity in governance.
According to him, Sanwo-Olu announced the planned construction during the Lagos East APC governorship election campaign flag-off in Epe, while Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the project.
Oladejo said the Sanwo-Olu administration had made considerable progress in laying the groundwork and completing the necessary documentation for the airport.
He explained that the project was part of a long-term economic vision aimed at transforming the Lekki-Epe corridor into a major investment, industrial and commercial hub.
He noted that the initiative began during the administration of President Bola Tinubu, when he was governor of Lagos State, with strategic plans for developing the eastern part of the state.
He added that subsequent administrations had sustained the vision through infrastructure development, strategic planning and investments designed to open up the corridor for economic activities.
The APC spokesperson recognised the contributions of former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode to the development of the area.
He particularly praised Ambode for advancing the airport proposal through strategic planning, preparatory activities and its inclusion in the broader Epe development master plan.
Oladejo also said the Sanwo-Olu administration had continued the development drive through major projects, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Lagos Coastal Road.
He described the proposed airport as a key component of an integrated economic network involving the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lekki Deep Sea Port and Lagos Coastal Road.
According to him, the projects are interconnected investments designed to unlock the economic potential of the Lekki-Epe corridor.
He said the airport, upon completion, would improve connectivity, facilitate international trade, boost tourism, support industrial growth and attract local and foreign investments.
He added that the project would generate employment and provide aviation infrastructure to support the increasing commercial and logistics activities in the area.
Oladejo said the assurances given by Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat reflected the administration’s determination to move the project from the planning stage to implementation.
He described the airport as a significant opportunity for Epe residents, noting that it would usher in a new phase of economic development for the area and future generations.
According to him, Epe, previously known largely for its agricultural and fishing activities, is gradually emerging as a strategic destination for industrial investment, international trade, logistics, aviation and tourism.
However, he emphasised the need for the government to ensure that the various infrastructure projects translate into direct benefits for residents.
He identified job opportunities, improved infrastructure, business development and skills acquisition as key areas through which local communities should benefit.
Oladejo reaffirmed the party’s commitment to continuity, institutional memory and sustainable development, stressing that successive administrations should build on existing foundations.
He commended Tinubu for initiating the vision, Fashola and Ambode for their contributions, and Sanwo-Olu for advancing the development agenda and renewing commitments to the airport project.
He also acknowledged Hamzat’s commitment to sustaining Lagos State’s development trajectory.
