The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has revealed that the Lekki Textile and Garment Special Economic Zone in Eyin-Osa, Epe, Lagos State, will create 5,000 direct and over 20,000 indirect jobs once operational.
According to The PUNCH, Ogunyemi, represented by Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, Director of Zone Operations, made this statement during the disbursement of compensation to seven families from Eyin-Osa who provided the 240.09 acres of land for the Federal Government-backed project.
Speaking at the event, Ogunyemi emphasized, “The SEZ will not only generate employment but also offer opportunities for infrastructure improvement, backward linkages, and other benefits that will positively impact the local community for generations to come.”
A statement issued by NEPZA’s Head of Corporate Communications, Martins Odeh, noted that families benefiting from the compensation include the Olayinka Salami, Aderenle Village, Muhammed Balogun, Bashorun Seidu, Iyanda, Matanmi Mobolaji, and Agara Onileyan families.
“The SEZ will serve the export markets of the South-West region and aligns with the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan,” Ogunyemi added.
He highlighted the administration’s focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investments while prioritizing host community development.
According to Ogunyemi, “This exercise represents NEPZA’s commitment to community social regeneration. It opens a new chapter of mutual cooperation to ensure unhindered progress for free trade operations across Nigeria. The Lekki Textile and Garments SEZ project is already drawing significant investment interest to this area.”
He further disclosed plans to replicate the SEZ model across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, urging other states to leverage the economic growth potential of the scheme.
The MD also outlined additional purposes for the SEZ, noting, “Beyond textiles, the Lekki SEZ will include hubs for ICT, agro-industries, and world-class sports and community development centers.”
Muftau Shittu, President of the Eyin-Osa United Kingdom Development Association, expressed gratitude for the compensation, noting that their forefathers had occupied the land for over 500 years.
“Initially, we lived in peace, engaging in activities like farming, hunting, and timber lumbering. However, disputes began in 2003 when land grabbers started encroaching on our lands, and by 2008, our land was allocated to the Lekki Free Trade Zone without adequate consultation,” Shittu explained.
He praised NEPZA for its efforts, stating, “This humane approach marks a significant shift. We are pleased to cede the land for the economic transformation of our community. We hope these efforts to regenerate Eyin-Osa remain permanent.”
The Lekki Textile and Garment SEZ is expected to catalyze economic growth while fostering local and national development through employment creation and infrastructure advancement.
