Following Governor Dapo Abiodun's tour of the airport, Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, made this statement while answering questions from reporters.
According to Edun, the airport is a significant economic undertaking of the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun and will revolutionize the state's economy once it is fully functioning.
"Having had the chance to visit this location previously, I am aware that the ARISE Agro-Cargo Industrial and Export Processing Zone represents a significant economic accomplishment that suggests the potential for swift economic expansion," he remarked.
This kind of investment benefits the people of Nigeria, especially those in Ogun State, by expanding the economy, generating jobs, and lowering poverty.
Regarding this specific facility, the airport that is said to have the longest runway in Nigeria, I can see the terminal building undergoing final touches to transform it into a fully functional international airport for passengers and cargo.
Edun, who praised the project as "very impressive" and of a high caliber, stated that the governor has carried out significant projects in the state by utilizing his corporate experience in addition to his energy, efficiency, and attention to detail, of which the airport is evidence.
The minister continued, saying: "We look forward to the end result, which is the creation of jobs, increased production, and increased opportunities for farmers to produce and sell their products at good price and in good time without any of the usual post harvest losses. I congratulate the governor and the people of Ogun State on what has been achieved so far.
The airport boosts Ogun State's and Nigeria's economies, and we want to see more of this. In order to accomplish this, we urge other states to enter the private sector.
According to him, the central government is attempting to establish a stable economy by fostering an atmosphere that is conducive to business in order to draw in both domestic and foreign investors.
"In order for the economy to serve as a source of funding for the expansion of the economy, we must get the economy going, reduce inflation, stabilize the exchange rate, and increase exports and export revenue," he continued.
Despite acknowledging the current hardships faced by the nation, the Finance Minister stressed that the government has developed intervention programs to mitigate the effects, emphasizing that there will always be a painful transition period when reforms are implemented. Nevertheless, he gave his word that there is still hope for the future.