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Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has said that the Lekki Free Trade Zone project would be one of the biggest in Africa.
He made the remarks whilst he was being introduced to the host community of the zone by Governor Tunde Fashola.
Dangote is planning to site a $9 billion refinery at the Zone, and the purpose of his visit was to secure certain assurances from the host communities about the safety and viability of the proposed investment.
Fashola said, “We have reached an agreement in public. There has been a clear understanding today. We spoke in local language and dialects and you can see that by clear show of hands the people themselves have given their support. It wasn’t a voice vote; it was a unanimous show of hands that they want this project. So, we are ready to go.”
“I find it hard to reconcile the demand for jobs and disturbing the factories and industries that will provide jobs.”
The excited governor added: “Lekki Free Trade Zone is beginning to take shape. The master plan is being realised; investors are trouping in. Tank farms and major refineries are springing up to service the demands of the country and make room for export. The refineries create a major selling point and release of the opportunities that lie ahead in this zone, create opportunities for the local people and the potentials for Lagos and the Nigerian economy.”
In his remarks, Dangote said, “Looking at what the governor has done by bringing this here, I can assure you that this is going to be the biggest free trade zone on the African continent. I know the people will begin to show their appreciation.”
Dangote was confident that the zone would hold enormous economic benefits for Lagos State and Nigeria.
He said: “For instance, there is no way we can put down over $9 billion of our money here without making sure that the zone is going to work.”