Nigeria’s push to revive industrial activities around the Ajaokuta axis gained fresh momentum on Thursday as Kogi State secured the licence for the newly approved Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone.
Governor Usman Ododo received the official certificate in Abuja from the Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi.
The approval followed earlier authorisation by Bola Tinubu in November 2025 for the establishment of the 4,000-hectare industrial city at Ajaokuta.
Ododo described the development as a historic turning point for Kogi State and Nigeria’s industrialisation drive. He said the free trade zone would help reposition Ajaokuta as a major economic hub in West Africa.
“Today is historic for our people,” the governor said after receiving the certificate. He noted that the state had met all regulatory requirements and was ready to fast-track development.
According to him, Kogi’s strategic location and mineral wealth give it a competitive advantage. The state borders several commercial centres, including the Federal Capital Territory, and has more than 30 solid minerals in commercial quantities such as coal, iron ore, lithium, gold and beryllium.
“We are ready to welcome foreign direct investment and local investors into Kogi State. This free trade zone will take the lead among all the zones in the country,” Ododo said.
On the long-stalled Ajaokuta Steel Company, the governor said the Federal Government was working intensively to revive the facility. He expressed optimism that the plant would resume operations before the end of the year, adding that the new free trade zone would complement the steel complex and strengthen economic sustainability.
Ododo also revealed plans to build an international airport in Kogi State to support the economic zone and leverage its proximity to Abuja. He said the airport would handle international operations and accommodate spillover traffic from the Federal Capital Territory.
In his remarks, Ogunyemi described the licence issuance as the beginning of a long journey. He assured that NEPZA would provide regulatory and technical support to ensure the success of the zone.
“The road does not end here. This is the beginning of a long journey. This is a multicultural economic city that can become one of the most successful free trade zones in Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the free trade zone model is globally recognised and designed to attract investment, promote exports and create jobs. He added that NEPZA operates as a one-stop shop for licensed zones, ensuring streamlined communication between operators and government agencies.
The Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone is expected to complement the steel complex by supporting downstream industries such as steel fabrication, mining, manufacturing and logistics. It is also projected to boost export earnings and generate employment.
With the addition of the Ajaokuta Economic City, the number of free trade zones licensed and regulated by NEPZA has risen to about 46. The development strengthens Nigeria’s special economic zones framework and aligns with ongoing efforts to attract investment, diversify the economy and expand the solid minerals sector.
