The All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen’s Forum has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and long-term vision after touring some of Lagos’ landmark infrastructure projects, describing the Lekki Free Zone (LFZ) and the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line as enduring legacies of his administration as governor.
The forum, led by its Chairman and Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, is in Lagos on a three-day working visit. Members from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said the projects reflected the President’s foresight and reaffirmed that his ongoing economic reforms were already yielding tangible benefits for governments, businesses and Nigerians.
Speaking during a visit to the Lekki Free Zone on Saturday, Ojelabi described the industrial hub as one of Nigeria’s greatest economic success stories, born out of a vision many initially dismissed.
“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 compared the establishment of the Free Zone to the removal of fuel subsidy, describing both as bold and difficult decisions whose long-term benefits were becoming increasingly evident.
According to him, the Lekki Free Zone has expanded revenue opportunities for the three tiers of government while driving investment, industrialisation and economic growth.
Ojelabi recalled that the project initially faced stiff resistance from residents who feared the government intended to acquire their land, but said the development had since exceeded expectations.
He commended the management of the Lekki Free Zone for preserving the original vision and attracting investments that continue to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
Highlighting its impact on employment, Ojelabi noted that the zone currently provides jobs for about 22,000 people, with Nigerians accounting for roughly 80 per cent of the workforce.
He urged APC chairmen across the country to encourage their respective state governments to adopt similar investment-driven economic models capable of creating jobs and accelerating development.
Secretary of the forum and Nasarawa APC Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, described the visit as an eye-opener, saying members would encourage their state governments to understudy and replicate the Lagos model.
He stressed that industrialisation remained a critical solution to unemployment and insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, also praised the Lekki Free Zone as one of Tinubu’s landmark legacy projects, noting that it had generated thousands of jobs while showcasing 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 has been sustained by successive administrations and 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 proof 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 APC chairmen later boarded the Blue Line train 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, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, thanked the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building a safe, reliable and sustainable transport system that meets international standards.
She attributed Lagos’ transport achievements to deliberate planning, institutional continuity and the unwavering support of successive state administrations.
As part of their working tour, the APC State Chairmen’s Forum also visited the palace of the Oba of Lagos, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lagos Deep Sea Port and Eko Atlantic City, where members further commended the scale of infrastructure development and the transformational vision driving Lagos’ growth.
