The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has welcomed plans by the state government to commence construction of the proposed Epe International Airport in 2027, describing the project as a major step towards transforming the economic fortunes of the Lekki-Epe corridor.
The party said the proposed airport would complement existing infrastructure projects in the area, including the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lekki Free Trade Zone and Lagos Coastal Road, to position the corridor as a major industrial, commercial and investment hub.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the proposed commencement date during the Lagos East APC governorship election campaign flag-off in Epe, while his deputy and governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Hamzat, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the project.
In a statement issued on behalf of the party on Sunday, the Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, described the announcement as another milestone in the state’s development agenda.
“The announcement represents much more than the commencement of another infrastructure project. It is the gradual realisation of a far-reaching economic vision conceived many years ago by our national leader and President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reposition the Lekki-Epe axis as a major investment, industrial, commercial and economic hub in Lagos State and beyond,” the statement read.
The party said the airport project was the product of successive administrations’ efforts, stressing that its development could not be attributed to a single government.
“The foundation was laid under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose foresight recognised the enormous economic potential of the eastern axis of Lagos,” it said.
It added that the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola sustained infrastructure development and strategic connectivity needed to open up the corridor for increased economic activities.
The APC also acknowledged the contributions of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, particularly in advancing the proposed airport project through strategic planning and its incorporation into the broader Epe development master plan.
“His commitment to the airport vision, including the strategic planning, preparatory initiatives and the incorporation of the airport into the broader Epe development master plan, constituted an important chapter in the journey towards its eventual realisation,” the statement added.
The party further commended the incumbent administration of Sanwo-Olu for continuing the development agenda through investments in critical infrastructure, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Lagos Coastal Road.
It described the proposed airport as the logical completion of an integrated economic ecosystem that would support industrialisation, international trade and logistics activities in the area.
“The proposed Epe International Airport is therefore the logical completion of an integrated economic ecosystem comprising the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lagos Coastal Road and now an international aviation gateway.
“These projects are not isolated infrastructure interventions. They are interconnected components of a carefully conceived economic architecture designed to unlock the enormous potential of the Lekki-Epe corridor,” it added.
The party said the airport, when completed, would improve connectivity, facilitate international trade, boost tourism, support industrial expansion, create employment opportunities and attract domestic and foreign investments.
The APC also expressed optimism about the commitment shown by Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, saying their assurances demonstrated the importance of continuity in governance.
“Their statements at the Epe rally reinforce the importance of institutional continuity and the determination to move this historic project from planning to implementation,” the statement said.
The party further suggested that naming the proposed airport after President Tinubu would be an appropriate recognition of his contributions to the development of Lagos, particularly his original vision for the state’s eastern corridor.
“For President Tinubu, it would undoubtedly be a moment of immense personal satisfaction to witness the completion and commissioning of an economic vision whose foundations were laid under his leadership as Governor of Lagos State.
“Naming the airport after him would be a fitting and enduring tribute to his foresight and contribution to the transformation of Lagos.”