The Lekki Textile and Garment Special Economic Zone in Eyin-Osa, Lagos State, is set to generate 5,000 direct and over 20,000 indirect jobs, according to the Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Olufemi Ogunyemi.
This was made during the disbursement of cash compensation to seven families who provided the 240.09 acres of land for the federal government project.
Represented by NEPZA’s Director of Zone Operations, Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, Ogunyemi highlighted the long-term benefits of the SEZ for the host community.
“The space will generate 5,000 direct and over 20,000 indirect jobs for the country, just as it will serve the export markets of the South West region.
“There are many benefits to gain from the SEZ, including employment generation, especially to the local community, opportunities for backward linkage, and infrastructure improvement around the project,” he stated.
The project aligns with the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and Ogunyemi reiterated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to developing host communities alongside attracting Foreign Direct Investments.
“This exercise commences the application of the Authority’s new concept of Community Social Regeneration to foster cooperation and mutual understanding for the progress of free trade operations across the country,” he added.
Ogunyemi noted NEPZA’s role in supporting the government’s economic policy and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Lekki Textile and Garments SEZ project is already attracting investment interest to this remote area of Lagos. NEPZA will continue to lead the country on the path of economic growth,” he explained.
He also revealed plans to replicate the economic scheme across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, encouraging states to harness the development potential of SEZs.
The Lekki SEZ, he noted, would also serve as a hub for Information and Communication Technology, agro-industries, and community development centers.
The president of Eyin-Osa United Kingdom Development Association, Muftau Shittu, expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s intervention.
“We are delighted today for this humane approach of the Federal Government through NEPZA. The community can only imagine this good gesture, as many earlier promises were not kept. We now have a NEPZA management and government serious about regenerating Eyin-Osa land,” he said.
Shittu recounted the community’s long history and struggles, noting that the land had been in their possession for over 500 years.
“We are happy to cede the total of 240.09 acres to NEPZA for the economic emancipation of our land. We pray for this cooperation and the steps to regenerate our people become permanent,” he said.
The families compensated included those from Aderenle, Olayinka Salami, Muhammed Balogun, Bashorun Seidu, Iyanda, Matanmi Mobolaji, and Agara.
The NEPZA initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable economic development and community regeneration, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
