The Lagos State Government has warned illegal developers and land speculators along the Lekki–Epe corridor to desist from encroachment on government land and other unlawful activities within the vicinity or face the full wrath of the law.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye gave the warning while on a tour of the 16,347 hectares Lekki Free Zone (LFZ) project.
He said the State government had observed with dismay the massive encroachment by private estate developers and land speculators swindling members of the public into purchasing parcels of land within government acquisition along the corridor.
Ogunleye explained that buyers of such land who fail to conduct proper investigations at the Lands Bureau and the Surveyor General’s Office stood the risk of losing their money, stressing that land within the affected areas was committed to LFZ projects, resettlement of affected communities and other schemes.
He noted that signposts of private estates, Private University, companies, a military zone and host of others were some of the encroachments discernible on the wide expanse of land.
The Commissioner said that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had given approval for stern measures to be taken to deal decisively with the illegal developers including removal of all illegal structures on the land.
Ogunleye advised members of the public to be wary of advertisements on “ land purchase beside the Lekki Free Zone” being sponsored by private Estate Developers and broadcast on various radio stations.
He, however, assured the people of Lagos State of government’s commitment to the development projects along the corridor, citing the Lekki Free Zone project as well as the Dangote Refinery and Petrol Chemical Plant as investments that will boost inflow of revenue to the State.
Meanwhile, while commissioning the Jubilee Chalet in Epe, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said his administration thought it wise to expand the old Government VIP Chalet built by the Alhaji Lateef Jakande administration, in line with its objective to strategically reposition the town to take maximum advantage of the economic benefits from the huge investment activities in and around Lekki Free Trade Zone.
He said beyond the Jubilee Chalet, his administration was taking deliberate actions to promote tourism, leisure and recreation, including the construction and upgrading of road projects in Epe, adding that ongoing Epe Marina project will soon wear a new look.
“As we are changing the face of Epe, we are doing the same thing in Badagry in a twin-pronged approach to promote tourism in the State. The Government VIP Chalets in Badagry is currently being rehabilitated and will be commissioned early next year. Work is also going on at the Badagry Marina to prepare it for the investors and tourists that the Badagry Deep Sea port will attract,” the Governor said.
Governor Ambode also said that aside enhancing the tourism potential of the Epe axis, the facility which would be managed professionally by a hospitality services company, would provide employment opportunities for different categories of individuals and companies, boost economic activities in the community as well as generate additional revenue into the State coffers.
“The Jubilee Chalet and Epe town are ready for you. This facility is not only for tourists but also for corporate institutions looking for a serene location for their retreats and all Nigerians looking for vacation spots within the country. l assure you all that this facility will deliver services that will surpass your expectations and someday be ranked amongst the best hospitality properties in Africa,” he said.
By Marc Philips