TINUBU ENDORSES AJAOKUTA FREE TRADE ZONE; ODODO SEEKS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The long-awaited revival of Nigeria’s industrial ambitions in the Ajaokuta region took a major step forward on Thursday as Kogi State received the licence for the newly approved Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone. Stakeholders hailed the development as a critical move toward unlocking the country’s untapped steel and solid mineral resources.
Governor Usman Ododo received the official certificate in Abuja from Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), and assured that the state would accelerate development while attracting both domestic and international investors.
The approval follows President Bola Tinubu’s authorisation in November 2025 for the creation of the 4,000-hectare industrial city in Ajaokuta. Ododo described the milestone as a “historic turning point” for both Kogi State and Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda, highlighting the zone’s potential to position Ajaokuta as a key economic hub in West Africa.
He said: “Today is historic for our people. Last year, we engaged with the managing director and his team to make the case for Kogi State hosting this special project. Through proper guidance and due diligence, we have reached this point. When leadership prioritises the people, tangible results follow.”
According to the governor, the free trade zone will serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, leveraging Kogi’s strategic location and abundant mineral resources. He noted that the state shares borders with several commercial centres and is home to over 30 commercially viable minerals.
“Kogi State is uniquely positioned, bordering about 10 commercial hubs, including the Federal Capital Territory. We are rich in resources such as coal, iron ore, lithium, gold, and beryllium, yet they have remained largely untapped. This free trade zone will unlock that potential,” Ododo said.
He assured that the initiative would welcome both foreign and local investors, positioning the zone as a leading industrial hub nationally. Regarding the stalled Ajaokuta Steel Company, Ododo said the Federal Government is actively pursuing its revival. “Investors are already assessing the plant, and before year-end, Ajaokuta will be operational. This free trade zone will further boost economic sustainability,” he added.
The governor also invited journalists to witness ongoing development projects firsthand, emphasising transparency and accountability in his administration’s initiatives.
Plans are also underway to construct an international airport to support the economic zone, taking advantage of its proximity to Abuja. “This airport will handle international traffic, ensuring the state benefits fully from its strategic location,” he said, describing the free trade zone as a cornerstone of his administration’s legacy.
Dr. Ogunyemi welcomed the issuance of the licence, describing it as the start of a long-term development journey. “This is the beginning of a multi-sectoral economic city that can become one of Nigeria’s most successful free trade zones. NEPZA will continue to support and regulate its growth,” he said.
The Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone is expected to complement the long-delayed Ajaokuta Steel Complex, fostering downstream industries such as steel fabrication, mining, manufacturing, and logistics, while creating jobs and boosting export earnings.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader industrialisation and economic diversification agenda, expanding Nigeria’s special economic zones framework and strengthening efforts to attract investment, promote exports, and drive national development.
With the addition of the Ajaokuta Economic City, NEPZA now regulates 46 Free Trade Zones across Nigeria, further cementing the country’s commitment to industrial growth and economic transformation.
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