The Kogi state government says it has commenced processes leading to the establishment of a special economic zone with the status of a free trade zone to be located in the Ajaokuta economic development corridor of the state.
This was contained in statement issued by the special adviser to the governor on media, Ismaila Isah in Lokoja on Wednesday.
According to the statement, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was on a working visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi in Abuja on Tuesday, sought the support of the management of NEPZA to make the proposed special economic zone, which was conceived over 10 years ago, a reality.
The statement said the governor who was accompanied on the visit by top officials of the Kogi state government, said the establishment of a special economic zone in the state is necessary in order to harness the abundant natural resources and to maximise the economic potentials of the state, given its strategic location as a connecting point between the north and south of Nigeria.
The governor noted that Kogi state is endowed with numerous solid mineral resources in commercial quantities, arable land for agricultural production and top quality human resources that are waiting to be tapped with the establishment of a special economic zone.
He assured that all that is required on the part of the state government would be put in place as soon as possible to ensure the realisation of the project.
On his part, the MD of NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi said the authority would support the Kogi state government by activating processes that would lead to the timely approval, licensing and other assistance the state may require to secure the establishment of a special economic zone.
Dr Ogunyemi commended Governor Ododo for his handling of infrastructural development, welfare of workers and security of lives and property in the state.
Kogi to establish special economic zone
