'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – In a significant step toward economic transformation, the Kogi State Government has formalized an agreement with the People’s Republic of China to establish the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone, which will operate as a Free Trade Zone. The agreement was announced by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo during a meeting with a delegation of Chinese investors and consular officials at the Government House in Lokoja on Tuesday.
Governor Ododo assured the delegation, led by the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, that the state government and its private sector partners would provide all necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the successful takeoff of the project.
"We are committed to making the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone a model of industrial and economic transformation. Everything required for the seamless execution of this project will be provided in collaboration with our private sector partners to ensure its success," Governor Ododo stated.
Ms. Yan Yuqing, speaking on behalf of the Chinese government, emphasized the strategic importance of the project, noting that the Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone is spearheaded by the government of Hunan Province with full backing from the Chinese government.
"The Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone is a strategic initiative that reflects the deep economic and trade ties between China and Nigeria. Our investors are eager to explore and contribute to this partnership to drive sustainable development and industrial growth," she said.
The Chief Economic Adviser to the Kogi State Government, Alhaji Inda Ali Salami, described the initiative as an ambitious project requiring unwavering commitment from the state government and private sector stakeholders. He assured the Chinese delegation that global best practices in free trade zone development would be implemented to ensure the project’s success.
The governor and members of the state’s economic team had previously visited the Chinese Consulate in Lagos to seek support from the Chinese government, a move that culminated in the landmark partnership now set to transform Kogi’s economic landscape.
Ahead of the agreement, the Chinese delegation toured critical infrastructure in Ajaokuta, the proposed site for the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone, which spans 3,000 hectares in the Ajaokuta economic development corridor. The delegation inspected key locations, including the Ajaokuta train station, Geregu Power Station, and ongoing gas projects, which are expected to play a crucial role in the smooth operation and development of the Free Trade Zone.
With this agreement, Kogi State is poised to become a major economic hub, leveraging Chinese investment and expertise to drive industrialization, job creation, and economic growth. The formalization of the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone is a significant milestone in Nigeria-China trade relations and marks a new era of industrial development for Kogi State.
