The Federal Government has successfully acquired 200 hectares of prime land within the vibrant Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, aiming to institute a specialized building materials hub, an initiative designed to diminish housing production expenses across the nation.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, made this announcement recently while conducting an insightful inspection of the industrial sectors within the Lekki and Lagos Free Zones, which are seamlessly linked to the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Dangiwa articulated that this hub is integral to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to slash construction expenses, champion local content, foster domestic manufacturing, and widen access to affordable housing throughout the country.
“The building materials hub will enhance local content, mitigate soaring material costs, stimulate domestic production, and ensure enduring housing delivery across the nation,” the minister proclaimed.
He disclosed that the Lagos hub will serve as an exemplary model for analogous hubs to be created across the six geopolitical zones. He further noted that an investor has already been secured to spearhead the project, which is anticipated to generate employment, amplify local materials production, and curb dependence on imports.
During the tour, the minister evaluated ongoing ventures including housing estates, industrial establishments, testing laboratories, Alaro City, Lagos Coastal City, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He commended Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd. for presenting a strategic location for the hub and nurturing the expansion of the zone.
Dangiwa also extolled Alaro City’s sustainable construction methodologies, highlighting their alignment with governmental strategies to address Nigeria’s housing shortfall through collaborative public-private partnerships.
Moreover, he underscored that the zone’s integrated transport infrastructure—including seaport, airport, rail, and road networks—would significantly enhance the operational efficiency of the hub once it gets underway.
The Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd., Mr. Adeniyi Akinlusi, described the expansive 16,500-hectare Lekki Free Trade Zone as “Nigeria’s best-kept investment secret,” meticulously designed to attract investments, curtail imports, and invigorate real estate development.
During the minister’s visit, industry stakeholders in the zone exhibited power plants, manufacturing facilities, and various ongoing projects.
