After Kuwait visit, Ododo meets Finance Minister, seeks FG backing for Kogi projects

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has sought federal government backing for critical development projects in the state following his recent visit to Kuwait to explore international financing opportunities and strategic development partnerships.

Ododo made the appeal on Sunday during a meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in Abuja, where he presented the state’s development priorities and briefed the minister on the outcome of his Kuwait trip.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the federal government and Kogi State to facilitate the development and financing of projects aimed at accelerating the state’s economic transformation.

The governor explained that his visit to Kuwait was designed to explore opportunities for development cooperation, affordable financing, technical expertise and institutional partnerships, including potential engagement with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).

He said his administration was developing a pipeline of projects in strategic sectors, including water security, irrigation and agriculture, reliable energy supply, mineral development and industrial value addition.

According to Ododo, the proposed projects are intended to stimulate economic activities, attract investments, create employment opportunities and improve the living conditions of residents across the state.

He added that the initiatives were being designed within the framework of Kogi State’s long-term development plan, with priority given to projects capable of delivering sustainable economic and social benefits.

Responding, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate with the Kogi State Government in pursuing its development objectives.

The minister assured Ododo of the federal government’s support as the proposed projects progress through the necessary technical preparation, appraisal and approval processes.

The engagement is expected to strengthen coordination between the state and federal governments while helping to position viable projects to attract development financing and strategic international partnerships.

Ododo stressed that his administration remained committed to responsible fiscal management, noting that the proposed projects would be supported by sound feasibility studies, clear implementation plans and sustainable financing arrangements.

He said the discussions in Kuwait had opened new opportunities for Kogi State to engage development partners and build a credible pipeline of bankable projects.

The governor, however, noted that financing arrangements would be subject to appropriate technical assessments and government reviews.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to pursuing strategic partnerships at both national and international levels to accelerate economic development, expand infrastructure and create more opportunities for the people of Kogi State.

The meeting marked another step in the Ododo administration’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government and international development institutions in pursuit of the state’s development agenda.

The governor was accompanied to the meeting by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris.