Kogi gets NEPZA nod for Ajaokuta Economic City

Kogi State has obtained the Declaration Licence for the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone, marking the formal launch of a major industrial project aimed at driving investment and economic growth.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Thursday in Lokoja.

The licence was issued by the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and presented to Governor Ahmed Ododo at the authority’s headquarters in Abuja, signalling a key milestone in the state’s industrialisation agenda.

Fanwo described the economic city as a strategic project expected to attract large-scale investments, create thousands of jobs and position Kogi as a major player in Nigeria’s manufacturing and export sector.

NEPZA Managing Director, Olufemi Ogunyemi, congratulated the state government, expressing confidence that the initiative would develop into a thriving investment hub capable of boosting exports and supporting sustainable growth.

The project is projected to drive industrial expansion, strengthen value chains and enhance economic diversification, leveraging its central location to serve as a commercial and logistics corridor.

Officials say the zone could replicate the impact of existing projects such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Onne Free Trade Zone and Eko Atlantic City, which have attracted multinational companies, supported oil and gas operations and expanded urban commercial activity.

Free Trade Zones — also known as Special Economic Zones — operate under special regulatory frameworks that provide incentives such as tax concessions, simplified customs processes and streamlined approvals to encourage investment.

In Nigeria, these zones support activities ranging from manufacturing and agribusiness to solid minerals, oil and gas, textiles, electronics and food processing. Analysts say well-managed zones can promote technology transfer, increase exports and generate employment while reducing reliance on oil revenues.

With supportive policies and infrastructure, the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone is expected to strengthen Kogi’s role in Nigeria’s industrial landscape and contribute to broader national economic diversification.