Kogi State has received the official licence for the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone, marking a significant advancement in Nigeria’s efforts to revive industrial growth around the Ajaokuta area.

Governor Usman Ododo collected the certificate in Abuja from Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). Ododo stated that the state is prepared to accelerate development and draw both domestic and international investors.

The licence follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval in November 2025 for a 4,000-hectare industrial city in Ajaokuta.

Ododo called the milestone a “historic turning point” for Kogi State and Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts. He emphasised that the free trade zone would reposition Ajaokuta as a leading economic centre 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 highlighted the zone’s role as a driver of economic change, capitalising on Kogi’s advantageous position and rich mineral deposits.

According to him, the state borders several commercial centres and possesses more than 30 solid minerals in commercially viable amounts.

“If you look at Kogi State, it is specially created by God. It is the only state in Nigeria that borders about 10 commercial centres, including the Federal Capital Territory. We are richly blessed with solid minerals such as coal, iron ore, lithium, gold and beryllium, but these have never worked for us,” he said.

He added that the initiative would enable the state to realise its economic possibilities.

“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 NEPZA leader explained that the free trade zone approach is internationally accepted, aimed at drawing investment, advancing exports, and generating employment.

“The scheme is global. The rules are similar across countries, with slight modifications. We are mandated not just to license but also to support and regulate.

“We are a one-stop shop. No government agency is supposed to communicate directly with zone operators. Everything goes through NEPZA,” he said.

The Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone is anticipated to support the decades-delayed Ajaokuta Steel Complex, which has seen limited activity despite substantial federal funding.

The zone may address gaps in downstream sectors like steel processing, mining, manufacturing, and logistics, while enhancing export revenues and employment opportunities.

The Federal Government has intensified initiatives in recent years to rejuvenate the steel industry within wider strategies for industrial growth and economic diversification.

This development aligns with the administration’s reforms to enhance the business environment, increase special economic zones, and capitalise on Nigeria’s solid minerals endowment.

With the inclusion of the Ajaokuta Economic City, the total number of Free Trade Zones licensed and overseen by NEPZA has risen to about 46, expanding the framework for special economic zones and reinforcing drives to secure foreign investment, increase exports, and promote industrialisation.