The Kogi State government has secured a significant agreement with the People’s Republic of China for the establishment of the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone, which will operate as a Free Trade Zone.
The announcement was made by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo during a meeting with a Chinese delegation, led by Ms. Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, at the Government House in Lokoja on Tuesday, 25th February, 2025.
The press release, issued by Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, highlighted that the agreement marks a key milestone in Kogi State’s industrial growth and strengthens the state’s economic partnership with China.
Governor Ododo assured the delegation that the state government, in partnership with private sector stakeholders, would ensure that the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are put in place to guarantee the smooth takeoff and timely completion of the project.
“We are committed to making the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone a model of industrial and economic transformation. Everything required for the seamless execution of this project will be provided, in collaboration with our private sector partners, to ensure its success,” Ododo stated.
In her remarks, Ms. Yan Yuqing emphasized that the Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone is being spearheaded by the government of Hunan Province, with full backing from the Chinese government.
She also noted that Chinese investors in Nigeria have a responsibility to support the project, in line with the long-standing bilateral agreements between China and Nigeria.
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“The Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone is a strategic initiative that reflects the deep economic and trade ties between China and Nigeria. Our investors are eager to explore and contribute to this partnership to drive sustainable development and industrial growth,” she said.
Alhaji Inda Ali Salami, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Kogi State Government, described the Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone as an ambitious project requiring full commitment from both the state government and its private sector partners.
He assured the delegation that global best practices would be applied to ensure its success.
Earlier, Governor Ododo and the state’s economic team had visited the Chinese Consulate in Lagos to discuss the project and secure Chinese government support as a core investor.
This effort set the stage for the landmark partnership between Kogi State and the People’s Republic of China.
The delegation also toured key infrastructure in Ajaokuta, where the Free Trade Zone will be located on a 3,000-hectare site within the Ajaokuta economic development corridor.
They visited the Ajaokuta train station, Geregu Power Station, and ongoing gas projects all crucial elements for the zone’s development.
Crediblenewsng.com
