By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday inaugurated Irele Tower, the first commercial building within the Lagos Free Zone.
The nine-storey, EDGE-certified structure is a landmark development designed to set a new standard for sustainable workspaces in Lekki, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing economic corridors. Built to accommodate office and retail activities, the tower features energy-efficient systems that reduce energy use by 26 percent and water consumption by 46 percent.
The eco-friendly building, inspired by maritime architecture due to its proximity to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable infrastructure in the region. EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), an innovation of the International Finance Corporation, supports the development of resource-efficient buildings across emerging markets.
Speaking at the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu described the project as a significant milestone aligned with his administration’s THEMES agenda aimed at positioning Lagos as a 21st-century economy. He noted that projects like Irele Tower are critical to unlocking the full potential of the Ibeju-Lekki axis, especially with major investments already underway in the zone.
“The inauguration of Irele Tower demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. This development not only enhances infrastructure within the Lagos Free Zone but also strengthens our vision of making Lagos a premier destination for investment,” the governor said.
He added that the state government would continue to partner with private sector stakeholders to drive sustainable urban development, create jobs, and improve the business environment.
In her remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja, said the project underscores the zone’s commitment to building an integrated ecosystem for businesses, supported by modern infrastructure, strategic location, and efficient logistics.
She explained that Irele Tower was conceived to meet the growing demand for high-quality commercial spaces, driven by increasing investor interest following the operationalisation of key projects in the Lekki axis.
“The inauguration of Irele Tower represents a defining milestone in our journey to build a world-class industrial and commercial hub. It reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality infrastructure that enhances ease of doing business and operational efficiency,” she said.
With a gross floor area of about 12,000 square metres, the development offers modern office spaces, retail outlets, parking facilities, shared workspaces, and a rooftop cafeteria, creating a dynamic and integrated business environment.
