Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has said that the Ogun State Agro-Cargo Airport, when completed, would add value to the lives of the people and contribute to the rapid growth of the state’s and the nation’s economy. The minister stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after being conducted round the airport by Governor Dapo Abiodun. The minister described the airport as a major economic project of the Prince Abiodun-led administration, which, when fully operational, will be a game-changer for the state.
He said: “I have had the opportunity to be here before and I know that the ARISE Agro-Cargo Industrial and Export Processing Zone is a major economic achievement that speaks to the possibility of rapid growth of the economy, which is the objective of Mr. President to have more investments like this.
“As for this particular facility, this airport which is reputable to have the longest runway in Nigeria, I can see the terminal building receiving finishing touches to make it a full blown international passengers and cargo airport.”
Edun who described the project as “very impressive” with high standard, said the governor has leveraged on his experience in the corporate world, coupled with zeal, efficiency and attention to details, to execute major projects in the state, saying the airport is a testimony.
“The airport is good for the economy of Ogun State and Nigeria, and we would like to see more of this. We encourage other states to join the private sector to achieve such.”
He said the government at the centre is working towards creating a stable economy through the creation of a business-friendly environment to attract both local and foreign investors to the country.
“We have to get the economy going, get the inflation down, stabilize the exchange rate and get the export and export revenue increased so that it can be a source of funding for the growing the economy,” he added.
While acknowledging the current hardship in the country, Edun emphasized that government has come up with some intervention schemes to cushion the effects, noting that transition period when reforms are implemented, always come with pain. But he assured that there is hope in the days to come.