Kogi’s industrial ambition takes off as NEPZA approves Ajaokuta FTZ

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has officially presented the License/Certificate of Declaration for the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone to Ahmed Usman Ododo, marking a major milestone in Kogi State’s drive to establish one of the country’s most strategic industrial and commercial corridors.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the issuance of the license marks a historic milestone in Kogi State’s economic transformation agenda and signals the formal take-off of one of Nigeria’s most strategic industrial corridors.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Olufemi Ogunyemi, congratulated the Governor and the people of Kogi State, expressing confidence in the commitment and preparedness of the State Government to translate the vision of the Economic City into a thriving investment hub.

In his response, Ododo expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone.

He assured the President of Kogi State’s determination to justify the confidence reposed in it by ensuring the rapid development of the zone into a model industrial and commercial ecosystem.

The Governor also commended NEPZA, under the leadership of Ogunyemi, for its administrative and technical guidance, which culminated in the successful declaration of the Free Trade Zone.

The Governor was accompanied to the ceremony by the Member Representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, the Chief Economic Adviser to the State, Mr. Aliyu Nda Salami; the Auditor General for Local Government, Hon. Yakubu Adabenege; and other senior government officials.

Fanwo noted that the receipt of the certificate represents a watershed moment in the realisation of the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone. Given Kogi State’s strategic geographical location at the heart of Nigeria, the project is poised to unlock what could become the largest commercial and industrial corridor in the country, driving investment, job creation, export expansion, and sustainable economic growth.