Chinese Investors Kickstart Kogi Free Trade Zone Development - Politics
The
Kogi State government has formalized a landmark partnership with the
People’s Republic of China for the establishment of the Kogi Hunan
Special Economic Zone, granting it Free Trade Zone status.
Governor
Ahmed Usman Ododo announced the development while receiving a
high-powered 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.
According to a statement by the Special
Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, the Free Trade
Zone, which is backed by the government of Hunan Province, marks a
significant step in deepening economic ties between Nigeria and China.
State Government’s Commitment
Governor
Ododo assured the delegation that the state government, in
collaboration with private sector partners, would provide the necessary
infrastructure and regulatory framework for the project’s smooth
takeoff.
"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 to ensure its success," he affirmed.[/b
]
[b]China’s Endorsement
Speaking
on behalf of the Chinese government, Ms. Yan Yuqing emphasized that the
project aligns with China’s broader economic cooperation strategy with
Nigeria.
"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
stated.
She also encouraged Chinese businesses in Nigeria to
key into the project, noting that it aligns with long-standing
bilateral agreements between both nations.
Economic Impact & Strategic Vision
Alhaji
Inda Ali Salami, Chief Economic Adviser to the Kogi State Government,
described the project as ambitious, requiring full commitment from both
the state government and private sector stakeholders.
"We will leverage global best practices in Free Trade Zone development to ensure the project’s success," he assured.
The
initiative follows Governor Ododo’s recent visit to the Chinese
Consulate in Lagos, where discussions were held to secure China’s
support as a core investor in the Free Trade Zone.
Ajaokuta as the Strategic Hub
The
Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone will be situated on 3,000 hectares of land
within the Ajaokuta economic development corridor—a location
strategically selected to maximize access to existing infrastructure.
Before
the formal agreement, the Chinese delegation toured key industrial
sites, including the Ajaokuta train station, Geregu Power Station, and
ongoing gas projects—all of which are expected to play a critical role
in the Free Trade Zone’s operations.
With this partnership now in
motion, Kogi State is set to emerge as a major industrial and trade
hub, further strengthening Nigeria’s economic integration with global
markets.
Source: https://thebureau.com.ng/chinese-investors-kickstart-kogi-free-trade-zone-development
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