Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State says Nigeria is poised for a major industrial breakthrough following the formal licensing of the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone, a 4,000-hectare project approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Ahmed Ododo said this at the official delivery of the licence for the newly approved free trade zone by the Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo described the development as a direct result of the presidential commitment to regional economic transformation.
Highlighting Kogi’s strategic central location, he described the state as uniquely positioned for industrial expansion.
“It is the only state, as far as this country is concerned, that borders 10 commercial cities, including the FCT. Kogi is endowed with about 32 different mineral deposits ranging from coal, iron ore, lithium, gold, beryllium, and name them.”
The governor projected rapid takeoff for the zone, revealing that investor interest is already building momentum.
“As we speak, there are investors that are already looking at Ajaokuta,” he said. “Before the end of this year, Ajaokuta will be up and running.”
According to Ododo, the free trade zone will not only reposition Ajaokuta as an industrial hub but also strengthen Nigeria’s broader economic sustainability.
“With the coming of this free trade zone, Ajaokuta is going to advertise itself. Because this is going to add to the economic sustainability of our dear state and our dear nation.”
Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, while speaking, expressed optimism that the newly licensed Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone in Kogi State would catalyse industrial growth.
“This one today, with His Excellency the Governor of Kogi State, is a brand new state, but I can assure you, with this dynamic government that they have now, there are going to be great things about Ajaokuta.”
He emphasised that the free trade zone remains a global model for industrialisation and investment attraction.
“A free trade zone bringing industry, manufacturing, and services. It will attract investment from abroad, FDI, which this country needs. It will also attract investment from within, LDI. It will create integration with back channels into our own economy, backward integration, so many benefits.”
The NEPZA boss congratulated the Kogi State Government and encouraged other sub-national leaders to embrace the scheme.