The long-awaited revival of Nigeria’s industrial ambitions 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, in what stakeholders described as a major step towards unlocking the country’s dormant steel and solid minerals potential.
Governor Usman Ododo, who received the official certificate in Abuja from the Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, said the state was ready to fast-track development and attract both local and foreign investors.
The approval followed earlier authorisation by President Bola Tinubu in November 2025 for the establishment of the 4,000-hectare industrial city in Ajaokuta.
Ododo described the development as a “historic turning point” for the state and the country’s industrialisation drive, stressing that the free trade zone would help reposition Ajaokuta as a major economic hub in West Africa.
He said, “Before I respond, I want to see that product I am speaking about. Give me my certificate because it is a special product. Today is historic for our people. Sometime last year, I was here to interface with the managing director and his team to present reasons why Kogi State should be considered for this very special project, the Ajaokuta Economic City Free Trade Zone. He guided us and set up various committees to ensure due diligence and compliance with all processes. When you have a leader who sincerely places the interest of the people first, the result is what we are seeing today.”
The governor said the free trade zone would serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, leveraging Kogi’s strategic location and abundant mineral resources.
According to him, the state borders several commercial centres and is endowed with over 30 solid minerals in commercial quantities.
“If you look at Kogi State, it is specially created by God. It is the only state in Nigeria that borders about 10 commercial centres, including the Federal Capital Territory. We are richly blessed with solid minerals such as coal, iron ore, lithium, gold and beryllium, but these have never worked for us,” he said.
He added that the initiative would help the state unlock its economic potential.
“We have come to show the entire world that we are ready to kick-start this project. 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.
Speaking on concerns about the stalled Ajaokuta Steel Company, the governor said the Federal Government was working intensively to revive the facility.
“I want to advise that we should be up to date. Some people are not aware of what Mr President is currently doing in Ajaokuta. As we speak, there are investors already assessing the plant.
“Before the end of this year, Ajaokuta will be up and running. With the coming of this free trade zone, the project will advertise itself and add to the economic sustainability of our nation,” he said.
He also invited journalists to visit the state to assess ongoing development projects.
“I was not elected to join noisemakers on social media. I signed up to serve my people. If you want to know what we are doing, come to Kogi State. We will provide security and logistics for you to see things for yourselves,” he added.
The governor further disclosed that the state was working on plans to build an international airport to support the economic zone and take advantage of its proximity to Abuja.
“This airport will not be just for local operations. It will be international. We want to take advantage of our closeness to Abuja so that the overflow will be accommodated in Kogi State,” he said.
He said the free trade zone would form a key part of his administration’s legacy.
“This certificate is an asset and part of my achievements in office. We are working hard to deliver on our campaign promises. By the time I leave office, this will be part of the legacy for future generations,” he added.
In his remarks, Ogunyemi described the issuance of the licence as the beginning of a long journey, noting that the agency would support the state in developing the zone.
He said, “When you met me, you were passionate about this project. I pledged that my team would do all we can to support it. Today, we are presenting the licence.
“The road does not end here. This is the beginning of a long journey. This is a multi-sectoral economic city that can become one of the most successful free trade zones in Nigeria.”
The NEPZA boss explained that the free trade zone model is globally recognised and designed to attract investment, promote exports and create jobs.
“The scheme is global. The rules are similar across countries, with slight modifications. We are mandated not just to license but also to support and regulate.
“We are a one-stop shop. No government agency is supposed to communicate directly with zone operators. Everything goes through NEPZA,” he said.
The Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone is expected to complement the long-delayed Ajaokuta Steel Complex, which has remained largely inactive for decades despite huge government investment.
The zone could provide the missing link in developing downstream industries such as steel fabrication, mining, manufacturing and logistics, while boosting export earnings and job creation.
The Federal Government has in recent years renewed efforts to revitalise the steel sector as part of broader industrialisation and economic diversification plans.
The initiative also aligns with ongoing reforms under the current administration aimed at improving the investment climate, expanding special economic zones and leveraging Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Online reports that with the addition of the Ajaokuta Economic City, the number of Free Trade Zones licensed and regulated by the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority has increased to about 46, further expanding Nigeria’s special economic zones framework and strengthening efforts to attract foreign investment, boost exports and drive industrialisation.