By Chioma James
Kogi State is poised for a historic economic transformation as Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo announces that the Ajaokuta Economic City — host of the Kogi-Hunan Free Trade Zone — will commence operations in 2026, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for the second quarter of the year.
The ambitious project in Ajaokuta received official Free Trade Zone status after securing a Declaration Certificate from the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s push toward industrial diversification and export-driven growth.
Approved in November 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Economic City spans an expansive 4,000 hectares and is designed to serve as a magnet for both local and international investors. The development is expected to stimulate large-scale manufacturing, logistics, energy production, and value-added mineral processing.
Governor Ododo described the initiative as a “historic turning point” that will reposition Kogi State as a leading industrial powerhouse and a strategic gateway for trade in West Africa. According to him, the project will unlock the state’s vast natural resources — including coal, iron ore, lithium, gold, and beryllium — while creating a robust ecosystem for heavy industries and downstream businesses.
Economic projections indicate the zone could attract between $2 billion and $5 billion in foreign direct investment within seven years, while generating no fewer than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs across multiple sectors. Analysts say this could significantly reduce unemployment, boost internally generated revenue, and accelerate infrastructure development across the region.
NEPZA Managing Director Olufemi Ogunyemi commended the Kogi State Government for its commitment, expressing confidence that the Economic City will evolve into one of Nigeria’s most dynamic investment destinations.
If successfully implemented, the Ajaokuta Economic City could revive long-standing hopes of transforming Nigeria into a major industrial nation turning the Ajaokuta axis into a thriving hub of production, trade, and economic opportunity.