Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday unveiled the Lagos Free Zone’s commercial building, Irele Towers, describing it as a major milestone in the state’s drive for economic transformation, innovation and global competitiveness.

Speaking at the inauguration of the facility located along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Mr Sanwo-Olu thanked private sector partners for helping to create opportunities to boost economic growth and attract more investments.

The governor noted that the industrial and commercial hub, developed in collaboration with private investors, would strengthen the state’s position as a globally competitive business destination by providing investors with direct access to critical infrastructure and opportunities.

“This is more than just the unveiling of a building; it is the unveiling of a vision for economic transformation, innovation and global competitiveness.

“Irele Towers represents what is possible when government and the private sector work together with a shared commitment to growth and prosperity,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the facility would support businesses operating within the Lagos Free Zone by offering proximity to ports and creating a self-sustaining commercial hub that would enhance logistics and operational efficiency.

According to him, the development will further position Lagos as a top choice for both local and international investors seeking an enabling environment for business expansion.

“With its proximity to the ports and its place within the Lagos Free Zone ecosystem, this development creates a self-sustaining commercial hub that will allow businesses to maximise logistics advantages and turn potential into economic growth,” he said.

He added that the name Irele, which means humility, reflected the values of purposeful and sustainable development.

The governor applauded the management of the Lagos Free Zone; the chairman of Lekki Port, Biodun Dabiri, and other private sector stakeholders for their strategic vision in strengthening the industrial corridor.

He described Irele Towers as a gateway to international trade that would provide a conducive environment for investors to thrive and expand their operations.

“Irele Towers is a gateway to international trade and an important symbol of the kind of enabling environment we are building for investors to thrive,” the governor said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu also applauded the management for maintaining cordial relations with host communities and creating employment opportunities for residents in the area.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that would sustain the state’s leading position in ease of doing business in Nigeria.

“We appreciate the resilience of the promoters and their continued collaboration with local and host communities through job creation and inclusive development.

“As a government, we remain committed to providing the infrastructure and policy support needed to ensure Lagos retains its leading position as the preferred destination for investment and ease of doing business,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja, described Irele Towers as a world-class commercial and administrative layer within the larger Lagos Free Zone ecosystem.

Ms Ladoja said the development was designed to serve as a key component of the zone’s industrial architecture and support the shared prosperity of businesses and surrounding communities.

“Irele Towers is a world-class commercial and administrative hub within the Lagos Free Zone ecosystem, built to support enterprise, efficiency and long-term growth.

“We remain committed to shared prosperity and to ensuring that the communities around us also benefit meaningfully from this development,” she said.

She noted that the management would continue to work toward creating an integrated business environment that supports industrialisation, trade and sustainable community development. 

(NAN)