The Kogi State Government has initiated steps to establish a special economic zone with free trade zone status in the Ajaokuta economic development corridor.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, during a working visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, in Abuja on Tuesday, sought NEPZA’s support to actualize the proposed economic zone, which was first envisioned over a decade ago.
The Governor, accompanied by top Kogi State officials, emphasized the need for a special economic zone to leverage the state’s abundant natural resources and strategic location as a link between northern and southern Nigeria.
In a statement issued Wednesday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Ododo highlighted Kogi State’s wealth of solid mineral resources, fertile land for agriculture, and highly skilled human resources. The Governor noted that these assets would be fully harnessed through the establishment of a special economic zone.
Ododo expressed confidence that the proposed economic zone would transform Kogi into a key economic hub for the country, creating thousands of job opportunities for Nigerians. He assured that the state government would swiftly fulfill all necessary requirements to ensure the project’s success.
NEPZA’s Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, pledged the authority’s support, promising to expedite approvals, licensing, and any additional assistance Kogi may need to facilitate the zone’s establishment. Dr. Ogunyemi also commended Governor Ododo for his efforts in infrastructure development, worker welfare, and maintaining security in the state.
In line with preparations for the proposed economic zone, the Kogi State Government had previously allocated 3,000 hectares in the Ajaokuta corridor, with the project slated for funding through a Public-Private Partnership.
