The Kogi State government has announced an agreement with the People’s Republic of China for the development of the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone, which will operate as a Free Trade Zone. Governor Ahmed Ododo hosted a delegation of Chinese investors and consular officials, led by the Consul General of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, at the Government House in Lokoja.
Governor Ododo assured the delegation that the state government and its private sector partners would provide the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for the project’s smooth launch and timely completion. He emphasized the commitment to making the zone a model for industrial and economic transformation.
Ms. Yan Yuqing stated that the Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone is being spearheaded by the Hunan Province government with the support of the Chinese government. She noted that Chinese investors in Nigeria are committed to supporting the project, aligning with existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria and China. She described the zone as a strategic initiative reflecting the strong economic ties between the two countries.
The Chief Economic Adviser to the Kogi State Government described the project as ambitious and requiring full commitment from the state and its partners. He assured the delegation that they would employ best practices in free trade zone development.
This agreement follows a previous visit by the Kogi State Governor and his team to the Chinese Consulate in Lagos to secure Chinese government support for the project.
The Chinese delegation toured key infrastructure in Ajaokuta, the site of the 3,000-hectare zone, including the Ajaokuta train station, Geregu Power Station, and ongoing gas projects, all deemed crucial for the zone’s operation and development.
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