The All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos chapter, has commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s announcement that construction of the proposed Epe International Airport will begin in 2027, describing it as another defining milestone in the unfolding economic transformation of Epe Division and the Lekki-Epe corridor.

The announcement, made during the Lagos East APC governorship election campaign flag-off in Epe, was subsequently corroborated by the Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the project and disclosed that the Governor had advanced the necessary groundwork and documentation.

This was contained in a statement by the Lagos State APC spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo.

Part of the statement read: “For the APC, 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 the national leader and President, Bola Tinubu, to reposition the Lekki-Epe axis as a major investment, industrial, commercial and economic hub in Lagos and beyond.

“The unfolding transformation of Epe is a remarkable testament to the value of visionary leadership, strategic planning and continuity in governance. It is important to acknowledge that the transformation did not happen overnight and its achievements cannot be attributed to any single administration.

“The foundation was laid under the administration of Tinubu, whose foresight recognised the enormous economic potential of the eastern axis of Lagos. His administration initiated the strategic groundwork that provided the basis for the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the land allocation that paved the way for the Dangote Refinery and the broader industrial and commercial development agenda for the corridor.

“This vision was subsequently advanced under former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, whose administration sustained the infrastructural development and strategic connectivity required to open up the axis for greater economic activities.

“We must also accord deserved recognition to former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, whose administration made immense contributions to the development of the Epe corridor and, particularly, the advancement of the proposed international airport project. His commitment to the airport’s 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. His administration’s articulation of an integrated transportation and economic development framework for the axis demonstrated an appreciation of the airport’s strategic importance to the future of Lagos.”

According to Oladejo, the incumbent administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu has continued to build on the foundations with significant infrastructure investments, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lagos Coastal Road and other critical developments that are redefining the economic geography of Lagos State.

He stressed that 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.

“When completed, the airport will significantly enhance connectivity, facilitate international trade, strengthen tourism, support industrial expansion, create employment opportunities and attract further domestic and foreign investments. It will also provide the necessary aviation infrastructure to complement the commercial, industrial and logistics activities emerging across the axis,” he added.

He said the APC was particularly encouraged by the convergence of assurances from Governor Sanwo-Olu and Dr Hamzat.

“Their statements at the Epe rally reinforce the importance of institutional continuity and the determination to move this historic project from planning to implementation.

“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.

“For the people of Epe Division, this is more than an airport. It represents the opening of a new economic chapter, with opportunities for generations yet unborn. From an area once regarded largely for its agricultural and fishing potential, Epe is steadily emerging as a strategic destination for industrial investment, international commerce, logistics, aviation and tourism.

“The APC recognises that the cumulative impact of these developments has fundamentally changed the economic outlook of the Epe axis. The challenge before the government is to ensure that the investments translate into tangible benefits for local communities through employment, improved infrastructure, business opportunities, skills development and inclusive economic growth.

“As the 2027 elections approach, the development trajectory of Epe and the wider Lagos East axis will naturally form an important part of public conversations about governance, performance and the future of our state. The successive investments and commitments made by different administrations provide a substantial record against which the people can assess the direction of development and the promises of all political actors.

“The APC remains committed to the principles of continuity, institutional memory and sustainable development, recognising that meaningful transformation requires successive administrations to build upon established foundations rather than abandon them.

“We commend President Tinubu for the original vision, Governors Fashola and Ambode for their respective contributions, and Governor Sanwo-Olu for advancing the development agenda and providing renewed assurance on the airport project. We equally acknowledge Dr Hamzat’s reaffirmation of commitment to sustaining this development trajectory.

“The story of Epe is ultimately a story of vision, continuity and transformation. From Tinubu’s original blueprint, through Fashola’s and Ambode’s contributions, to Sanwo-Olu’s ongoing interventions, a new economic future is taking shape.

“Epe is rising, the Lekki-Epe corridor is opening up and the promise of a new economic frontier for Lagos is steadily becoming a reality,” he stated. (The Sun)