Emmanuel lkpeama
The Kogi State Government has received the License/Certificate of Declaration for the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone from the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo received the certificate at NEPZA Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday 26, February 2026.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo,the license marks a significant milestone in Kogi’s economic transformation agenda and signals the formal take-off of one of Nigeria’s most strategic industrial corridors.
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.”he said
NEPZA MD, Olufemi Ogunyemi,while expressing confidence in Kogi’s commitment to developing the zone and preparedness of the State Government to translate the vision of the Economic City into a thriving investment hub,congratulated the Governor and the people of Kogi State.
Responding, Governor Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu and NEPZA for their support, assuring them of Kogi’s dedication to making the project a success 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.
Investigator news reports that 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.
The Ajaokuta Economic City Free trade zone is expected to drive investment, job creation, and economic growth in the region