The Kogi State government, in partnership with China’s Zhuzhou Municipality, has officially unveiled the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone, also known as the Hunan Free Trade Zone, a strategic initiative aimed at boosting economic activities and diversifying the state’s economy.

The project was launched yesterday in Abuja, with Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo describing it as a pivotal step toward transforming Kogi State into a commercial and industrial hub in Nigeria. Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ododo said the initiative demonstrates his administration’s commitment to policies that ensure citizens benefit from good governance, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He called the Free Trade Zone “the beginning of a new economic era, one that will redefine how Kogi State participates in national and global commerce for generations to come. Mr. President’s swift approval of the Ajaokuta Economic City after thorough due diligence demonstrates his firm commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and his belief in Kogi State as a strategic industrial hub for the nation.”

Governor Ododo urged key stakeholders—including the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Central Bank of Nigeria, and private sector partners—to support the initiative. He also highlighted Kogi State’s strategic location as “the connecting heart of Nigeria,” positioning it as the nation’s most crucial logistics gateway.

He further assured that security measures have been strengthened to ensure the project’s success, including enhanced intelligence operations and collaboration with national security agencies. The governor added that the state’s higher institutions of learning would play a central role in skills development, research, and innovation for industries attracted to the Free Trade Zone.

Representing the People’s Government of Zhuzhou Municipality, Mr. Li Zhensheng expressed confidence in the project’s potential to transform Kogi State’s economy and Nigeria at large. He said: “The Ajaokuta Economic City is not only a new engine for Kogi State’s development but will also become a leader and benchmark for Nigeria’s economic transformation. Kogi State has achieved two major breakthroughs: first, turning the free trade zone from ‘nothing’ to ‘something,’ and second, establishing a sister-city relationship with Zhuzhou City, Hunan Province.”

Li praised the strong cooperation between the Nigerian and Chinese governments, noting that it has laid a solid foundation for the project. He expressed optimism that the Free Trade Zone would become a hotspot for industrial development, further strengthening China-Nigeria economic collaboration.

Looking ahead, Li added: “Next, we will work with all parties to jointly establish the Free Trade Zone Management Committee. I look forward to this place becoming a hub of industrial agglomeration, openness, inclusiveness, and prosperity at an early date.”