The Lekki Textile and Garment Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project in Eyin-Osa, Epe, Lagos State, has been highlighted by Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), as a significant initiative expected to create 5,000 direct jobs and over 20,000 indirect jobs upon its completion. This developmental endeavor aims to enhance local economic conditions, fostering prosperity in the region. During a recent event where cash compensation was distributed to families who contributed land for the project, Ogunyemi emphasized the long-term benefits of the SEZ, which is set on 240.09 acres. Not only will the project provide immediate employment opportunities, but it also promises sustained economic growth, benefitting future generations.
In his address, Ogunyemi, represented by Director of Zone Operations Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, spoke on the broader implications of the SEZ for the local community. He stressed that the project would serve as a magnet for foreign direct investment, linking it particularly to the economic recovery and growth plans of the federal government. This commitment by the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, extends beyond attracting investments; it is also focused on improving the conditions of local host communities. Ogunyemi described the initiative as part of a new approach to Community Social Regeneration, aiming to create a synergistic relationship between the project and the local populace while ensuring the continuity of development.
Ogunyemi also outlined the multifaceted benefits the Lekki SEZ would bring, not just in job creation but also in infrastructural improvements within the vicinity. He emphasized the SEZ’s potential as a catalyst for further investments in various sectors, including Information and Communication Technology, agro-industries, and even world-class sport and community centers. This potential for diverse economic activity underscores the project’s capacity to stimulate growth across multiple facets of the local economy. The establishment of such an economic zone signals a progressive shift in utilizing land for generating substantial economic resources while also focusing on the well-being of the local community.
The history of the Eyin-Osa community, as described by Muftau Shittu, president of the Eyin-Osa United Kingdom Development Association, covers over 500 years of peaceful coexistence, primarily engaged in agriculture, fishing, and other traditional activities. However, the community has faced significant challenges since 2003, with land grabbers encroaching on their territory and leading to disputes over land ownership. These historical grievances culminated in the expropriation of lands in 2008 for the Lekki Free Trade Zone, igniting a prolonged struggle for fair compensation. The community’s feelings of neglect were palpable until this recent engagement with NEPZA, marking a hopeful turn in their relationship with government authorities.
Shittu expressed gratitude towards NEPZA for acknowledging the rightful claims of the community and offering a humane approach to compensation. The process recognizes the land’s historical significance to the local populace while highlighting NEPZA’s commitment to environmental and economic regeneration. This cooperative spirit is seen as a start towards rebuilding trust and establishing a framework for sustainable development. Shittu’s remarks reflect a cautious optimism that the promises made this time would be upheld, contrasting sharply with previous experiences marked by unfulfilled commitments.
In summary, the Lekki Textile and Garment SEZ project represents an important development for both the Nigerian economy and the Eyin-Osa community. By generating significant employment opportunities and stimulating economic activities, it aims to uplift the region while ensuring that the local population benefits directly from the investment. The project also illustrates a paradigm shift towards greater inclusivity in developmental initiatives, prioritizing the needs of host communities. The positive steps taken by NEPZA highlight a commitment to rectifying past injustices, and this cooperative effort holds promise for a balanced future where economic growth and community welfare coexist harmoniously.
