The Federal Government has given the green light for the creation of the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone, a move that will catalyze the development of the Ajaokuta Economic City. This approval follows a strategic partnership between the government of Kogi State, led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the Zhuzhou Municipal Government of Hunan Province, China, under the Kogi–Hunan Sister Province Relationship. The initiative is expected to unlock significant economic opportunities for the region and position Kogi as a key player in cross‑border trade.
To ensure that all relevant parties are fully informed, the Kogi State Investment Promotion and Public‑Private Partnership Agency (KSIPPA) has scheduled a stakeholders’ briefing in Abuja. The event, organized by KSIPPA’s Chief Economic Adviser and Chief Executive Officer, Aliyu Inda Salami, will bring together government agencies, potential investors, and development partners to discuss the project’s framework, outline investment prospects, and outline the next steps for implementation.
The briefing will provide a comprehensive overview of the free trade zone’s structure, highlighting sectors poised for growth and the incentives that will be offered to attract both domestic and foreign capital. By presenting a clear roadmap, the organizers aim to foster confidence among investors and facilitate swift progress toward the zone’s operational launch.
Overall, the approval of the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone marks a pivotal moment for the state’s economic agenda, aligning with broader national goals of diversifying the economy and promoting regional development through strategic international collaborations. The upcoming Abuja briefing is expected to be a crucial platform for galvanizing support and charting the path forward for this ambitious project.
