The federal government has awarded the Lagos State administration permission to build a new airport near the state’s Lekki-Epe axis.

Hadi Sirika, Minister of State for Aviation, made the announcement in Lagos while interacting with reporters at the ongoing Lagos Economic Summit, Ehingbeti 2022, which is being held at the Eko Hotel & Suites.

The minister stated that the federal government will provide the Lagos State government with all essential assistance in carrying out the project.

He claimed that the state government’s new project was an important step toward the establishment of a new Lagos inside the Lekki-Epe axis and Eko Atlantic City.

“The project is a necessity because it will make Lagos more accessible, it is linking people of Lagos and the state to market, to larger economy; commerce and trade, it will position it to the center of trade in not only west Africa but beyond,” Sirika said, justifying the federal government’s approval for the project. Lagos’ GDP is in the trillions of naira, which is 30% of Nigeria’s GDP. Of course, you will agree with me that Muritala Muhammed Airport is too congested and far away from the action at the moment because the new Lagos, Lekki Free Trade Zone, and others, Lagos need the airport and we are happier to let them have it, we will ensure that our agencies supervise it, to make sure that it was done very well”.

Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state governor, expressed his appreciation for the approval in his reaction to the news while addressing with media.

I’m beyond thrilled. This is the first of a series of announcements that will take place today and tomorrow; there will also be some breaking news. For us, it’s all about partnership; you can see a real partnership with the federal government through the Ministry of Aviation, but the real beneficiaries are the citizens and businesses we’re trying to activate; so, we’re doing government-to-business and business-to-business, because that’s how you develop an economy like this: you give them a platform, you give them government-related infrastructure so their businesses can thrive. “It will make Lagos more accessible,” he explained.

Earlier, when declaring the Ehingbeti Summit open, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated the topic, “Lagos 2022 – 2052: Charting the Paths to Sustainable Development – the Thirty Year Plan,” was appropriate since the state will capitalize on collaborative successes.

The governor also urged attendees to provide perspectives and feasible solutions to expedite the state’s socioeconomic development strategy.

Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Sam Egube, indicated that 95% of agreements reached at past Ehingbeti summits in the state have been executed, citing the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the blue and red rail lines as examples, while he reiterated that Lagos deserves special treatment.

Earlier, Mary Iwelumo, the chairman of the summit, Ehingbeti 2022, stated that the Lagos State Development Plan 2022 to 2052 would assist Lagos in achieving megacity status, as over 24,000 registered participants were expected at this year’s summit, which would span two days.