A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo, has asserted that the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport in Iperu will propel Ogun State to the top of the national Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rankings or be among the top three within the next five years.
Lemo stated this on Saturday during the commissioning of the airport and inspection of several projects by President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the airport constructed by the Ogun State government, is aimed to serve as a major cargo hub and a passenger alternative to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
According to President Tinubu, the airport project is integrated with independent energy and gas investments in addition to other programs designed to impact all societal levels.
Speaking at the event, Lemo also commended Tinubu for supporting the realisation of the project, describing it as a transformative economic asset for Ogun State and Nigeria.
He said, “This is a remarkable achievement, for me, it’s not because it will carry passengers but because it will help export drive. A cargo airport will be used by the grace of God to export agricultural products and that for me is a major takeaway that will help to boost the export and GDP of Ogun State.
“My expectation is that with this achievement, Ogun State should take over as one of the top 3 if not the best in terms of IGR generation in the next five years.”
The governorship aspirants under the All Progressive Congress, APC, also extended appreciation to his supporters and the people of Ogun State for their orderly conduct and cooperation during the President’s visit.
“I sincerely thank our supporters and the good people of Ogun State for their peaceful and respectful conduct. Your cooperation reflects the true character of our State,” he added.
