The Kogi State government has finalized an agreement with the People’s Republic of China to establish the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone, designated as a Free Trade Zone.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo announced the development while receiving a delegation of Chinese investors and consular officials, led by the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, at the Government House in Lokoja on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo reassured the Chinese delegation that the state government, in partnership with private sector stakeholders, would provide the necessary infrastructure and regulatory support to ensure the project’s timely completion.
“We are committed to making the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone a model of industrial and economic transformation. Everything required for the seamless execution of this project will be provided in collaboration with our private sector partners to ensure its success,” he said.
In her address, Ms. Yan Yuqing highlighted that the Hunan provincial government, with the backing of the Chinese government, is leading the development of the Free Trade Zone.
She encouraged Chinese investors operating in Nigeria to actively participate in the project, reinforcing the enduring bilateral relationship between both nations.
“The Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone is a strategic initiative that reflects the deep economic and trade ties between China and Nigeria. Our investors are eager to explore and contribute to this partnership to drive sustainable development and industrial growth,” she said.
The Chief Economic Adviser to the Kogi State Government, Alhaji Inda Ali Salami, described the project as ambitious, emphasizing the state’s commitment to adopting international best practices in free trade zone development.
He assured the delegation that the government would work closely with private investors to facilitate the project’s success.
Prior to the agreement, Governor Ododo and his economic team had visited the Chinese Consulate in Lagos to secure the Chinese government’s backing as a core investor in the project.
This collaboration paved the way for the formal establishment of the Free Trade Zone, which will span 3,000 hectares within the Ajaokuta economic development corridor.
The Chinese delegation also toured key infrastructure sites, including the Ajaokuta train station, Geregu Power Station, and ongoing gas projects — all essential to the zone’s operations and long-term viability.
