By Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS — The All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen’s Forum has praised President Bola Tinubu’s vision and leadership after touring key infrastructure projects in Lagos, describing the Lekki Free Zone (LFZ) and the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line as enduring legacies of his administration as former governor of the state.
The forum, led by its Chairman and Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, is in Lagos on a three-day working visit. Members, drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), commended Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they were already delivering tangible benefits to governments, businesses and Nigerians.
During a visit to the Lekki Free Zone on Saturday, Ojelabi said Tinubu’s decision to establish the zone had evolved into one of Nigeria’s greatest economic success stories.
“The current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had a vision many doubted at the time. Today, I am delighted that the dream he conceived years ago has become a reality,” he said.
He likened the establishment of the LFZ to the removal of fuel subsidy, describing both as difficult but courageous decisions whose benefits had become evident.
According to him, the Free Zone has strengthened revenues for the three tiers of government while creating opportunities for economic growth and development.
Ojelabi recalled the resistance that initially greeted the establishment of the corridor, noting that many residents feared government intended to seize their land.
He commended the management of the Lekki Free Zone for sustaining the vision and expanding investments beyond Lagos.
The APC chairman also highlighted the employment impact of the zone, noting that about 22,000 people work there, with Nigerians accounting for 80 per cent of the workforce.
He urged APC chairmen from across the country to encourage their respective state governments to adopt similar economic models capable of attracting investment and creating jobs.
Secretary of the forum and Nasarawa APC Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, described the visit as an eye-opener on industrialisation and economic development.
He said members would encourage their state governments to understudy the Lagos model and replicate its success in attracting investments.
According to Bello, industrial development remains critical to addressing unemployment and insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Also speaking, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, described the Lekki Free Zone as one of Tinubu’s landmark legacy projects, saying it had generated significant employment opportunities and demonstrated the President’s developmental vision.
Earlier, the delegation visited the Marina Rail Station, where officials of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), led by Managing Director Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, briefed them on the history, operations and strategic importance of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line.
The forum commended Tinubu for conceiving the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan, describing it as a visionary blueprint that had been sustained by successive administrations and had transformed public transportation in the state.
Ojelabi praised LAMATA for its professionalism and commitment to delivering an integrated transport system, describing the Blue Line as evidence of the value of continuity in governance.
“What we have seen today is a clear demonstration that when leaders plan with the future in mind and successive administrations remain committed to implementing those plans, the people become the ultimate beneficiaries,” he said.
The delegation later rode the Blue Line from Marina to Mile 2, expressing satisfaction with the comfort, safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s first intra-city electric rail system.
Responding, LAMATA Managing Director Abimbola Akinajo thanked the APC chairmen for the visit and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to developing a safe, reliable and sustainable transport system that meets international standards.
She attributed the achievements in Lagos’ transport sector to deliberate planning, institutional continuity and the consistent support of successive state administrations.
As part of their tour, the APC state chairmen also visited the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lagos Deep Sea Port and Eko Atlantic City.
