- NEPZA granted Kogi State a licence for the 4,000-hectare Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone following President Tinubu’s 2025 approval
- Governor Usman Ododo described it as a historic milestone, highlighting Kogi’s strategic location and rich mineral resources, including coal, iron ore, lithium, and gold
- The zone is expected to attract local and foreign investors, stimulate steel, mining, manufacturing, and logistics sectors, and generate employment across the region
Kogi State has taken a major step in reviving Nigeria’s industrial ambitions with the official licensing of the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone. The certificate was presented in Abuja by Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), following President Bola Tinubu’s November 2025 approval for the establishment of the 4,000-hectare industrial city.
Governor Usman Ododo described the development as a “historic turning point” that positions Kogi as a major economic hub in West Africa. He highlighted the state’s strategic location, bordering around 10 commercial centers including the Federal Capital Territory, and its rich deposits of over 30 solid minerals, such as coal, iron ore, lithium, gold, and beryllium.
Ododo said the free trade zone would serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, attracting both local and foreign investors and complementing the revival of the long-stalled Ajaokuta Steel Company. He also revealed plans for an international airport to support the zone and leverage its proximity to Abuja.
Dr Ogunyemi described the licence as the beginning of a “long journey,” stressing NEPZA’s role in supporting, regulating, and facilitating investment into the zone. He noted that the free trade zone model is internationally recognised, designed to attract investment, promote exports, and create jobs.
The Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone is expected to stimulate downstream industries such as steel fabrication, mining, manufacturing, and logistics, while strengthening Nigeria’s industrialisation, boosting export earnings, and generating employment. With this addition, NEPZA has now licensed approximately 46 Free Trade Zones nationwide, expanding the country’s special economic zones framework and enhancing efforts to attract investment.
Governor Ododo emphasised that the project would form a key part of his administration’s legacy, ensuring that Kogi State capitalises on its natural resources and strategic location to drive sustainable economic growth.