By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

In a major push to reposition Kogi State as one of Nigeria’s emerging industrial powerhouses, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Tuesday unveiled the Ajaokuta Economic City, officially marking the commencement of operations at the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Ododo described the launch as “a historic leap that signals the dawn of a new economic era for Kogi State and Nigeria at large.” He emphasized that the Free Trade Zone is poised to become one of Nigeria’s most visionary industrial ventures, capable of reshaping manufacturing, job creation, technological innovation, and global trade integration.

“This is the birth of a new economic engine for our people. We are today planting the seed of generational prosperity,” the governor declared.

Ododo revealed that the project is the result of extensive technical evaluations, multilayered government collaboration, and strategic consultations with investors and development partners from the People’s Republic of China. Its approval, he said, underscores mounting investor confidence—both local and international—in Kogi State’s expanding economic vision.

The governor expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called “swift approval and unwavering support,” crediting the president’s leadership for accelerating the project’s development. He said Tinubu’s endorsement demonstrates the administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and recognition of Kogi as Nigeria’s next major industrial hub.

“Mr. President’s leadership has been inspiring… His confidence in Kogi State has strengthened our resolve to industrialize and attain economic independence,” Ododo noted.

He also acknowledged the support of NEPZA, NACCIMA, NEZA, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the IRS Group, and private-sector investors.

Ododo highlighted Kogi State’s geographic advantage as Nigeria’s natural logistics center, bordered by ten states, including the FCT. Ajaokuta, home to Africa’s largest steel complex by design, and Lokoja—situated at the world-renowned confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers—underscore the state’s suitability for a world-class Free Trade Zone.

Assuring investors of safety, the governor said the zone will operate under a dedicated security architecture enhanced with intensified intelligence operations and surveillance systems in partnership with national security agencies.

He added that the Free Trade Zone will stimulate massive growth in manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, technology, and innovation. Institutions such as Federal University Lokoja, Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, CUSTECH Osara, and Kogi State University Kabba are expected to supply a highly skilled workforce.

Ododo concluded by inviting international investors to explore the boundless opportunities within the Ajaokuta Economic City, promising investor-friendly policies, robust security, and an industrious population.

“This project tells the world that Kogi State is ready to lead, innovate, industrialize, and compete globally… With this project, we are building a more prosperous Kogi and a stronger Nigeria.”