Kogi secures licence for Ajaokuta economic city free trade zone
Kogi State has acquired the formal licence for the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone, a key step forward in Nigeria's ambitions to restore industrial activity in the Ajaokuta region.
Governor Usman Ododo received the certificate in Abuja from Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). Ododo added that the state is ready to expedite development and attract domestic and foreign businesses.
The licence follows President Bola Tinubu's November 2025 approval of a 4,000-hectare industrial development in Ajaokuta.
Ododo described the milestone as a "historic turning point" for Kogi State and Nigeria's economic aspirations. He underlined that the free trade zone would establish Ajaokuta as a major economic hub in West Africa.
Governor Usman Ododo received the certificate in Abuja from Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). Ododo added that the state is ready to expedite development and attract domestic and foreign businesses.
The licence follows President Bola Tinubu's November 2025 approval of a 4,000-hectare industrial development in Ajaokuta.
Ododo described the milestone as a "historic turning point" for Kogi State and Nigeria's economic aspirations. He underlined that the free trade zone would establish Ajaokuta as a major economic hub in West Africa.
He said, “Before I respond, I want to see that product I am speaking about. Give me my certificate because it is a special product. Today is historic for our people. Sometime last year, I was here to interface with the managing director and his team to present reasons why Kogi State should be considered for this very special project, the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone. He guided us and set up various committees to ensure due diligence and compliance with all processes. When you have a leader who sincerely places the interest of the people first, the result is what we are seeing today.”
The governor emphasised the zone's significance as a catalyst for economic transformation, capitalising on Kogi's excellent location and abundant mineral endowments.
According to him, the state borders major commercial centers and has more than 30 solid minerals in commercially feasible quantities.
"Look at Kogi State; it was expressly built by God. It is Nigeria's only state that borders around ten commercial hubs, including the Federal Capital Territory. We are wonderfully endowed with solid resources like coal, iron ore, lithium, gold, and beryllium, but they have never worked for us," he remarked.
He stated that the program would help the state fulfil its economic potential.
According to him, the state borders major commercial centers and has more than 30 solid minerals in commercially feasible quantities.
"Look at Kogi State; it was expressly built by God. It is Nigeria's only state that borders around ten commercial hubs, including the Federal Capital Territory. We are wonderfully endowed with solid resources like coal, iron ore, lithium, gold, and beryllium, but they have never worked for us," he remarked.
He stated that the program would help the state fulfil its economic potential.
“We have come to show the entire world that we are ready to kick-start this project. We are ready to welcome foreign direct investment and local investors into Kogi State. This free trade zone will take the lead among all the zones in the country,” Ododo said.
Addressing issues surrounding the long-stalled Ajaokuta Steel Company, the governor noted that the Federal Government is actively pursuing its revival.
“I want to advise that we should be up to date. Some people are not aware of what Mr President is currently doing in Ajaokuta. As we speak, there are investors already assessing the plant.
“Before the end of this year, Ajaokuta will be up and running. With the coming of this free trade zone, the project will advertise itself and add to the economic sustainability of our nation,” he said.
He invited journalists to tour Kogi State and evaluate progress on various projects.
“I was not elected to join noisemakers on social media. I signed up to serve my people. If you want to know what we are doing, come to Kogi State. We will provide security and logistics for you to see things for yourselves,” he added.
The governor revealed plans for an international airport to bolster the economic zone and leverage proximity to Abuja.
“This airport will not be just for local operations. It will be international. We want to take advantage of our closeness to Abuja so that the overflow will be accommodated in Kogi State,” he said.
He described the free trade zone as a central element of his administration’s enduring contributions.
“This certificate is an asset and part of my achievements in office. We are working hard to deliver on our campaign promises. By the time I leave office, this will be part of the legacy for future generations,” he added.
In his address, Ogunyemi described the licence issuance as the start of an extended process, with NEPZA committed to assisting the state’s development of the zone.
He said, “When you met me, you were passionate about this project. I pledged that my team would do all we can to support it. Today, we are presenting the licence.
“The road does not end here. This is the beginning of a long journey. This is a multi-sectoral economic city that can become one of the most successful free trade zones in Nigeria.”
"The scheme is global. The rules are similar across countries, with minor variations. We are obligated not only to license, but also to support and govern.
"We are a one-stop shop." No government agency should communicate directly with zone operators. "Everything goes through NEPZA," he explained.
The Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone is expected to help the long-delayed Ajaokuta Steel Complex, which has seen little progress despite significant federal funding.
The zone may solve shortfalls in downstream industries such as steel processing, mining, manufacturing, and logistics, while also increasing export income and job possibilities..
In recent years, the federal government has stepped up efforts to revitalise the steel industry as part of larger industrial growth and economic diversification programs.
This development is consistent with the administration's measures to improve the business environment, expand special economic zones, and capitalise on Nigeria's solid mineral resources.
With the addition of the Ajaokuta Economic City, the total number of Free Trade Zones licensed and administered by NEPZA has increased to around 46, broadening the framework for special economic zones and supporting efforts to secure foreign investment, enhance exports, and promote industrialisation.
This development is consistent with the administration's measures to improve the business environment, expand special economic zones, and capitalise on Nigeria's solid mineral resources.
With the addition of the Ajaokuta Economic City, the total number of Free Trade Zones licensed and administered by NEPZA has increased to around 46, broadening the framework for special economic zones and supporting efforts to secure foreign investment, enhance exports, and promote industrialisation.
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