By our Reporter
The Kogi State Government has revealed plan to commence processes leading to the establishment of a special economic zone with the status of a free trade zone.
The proposed free trade zone is to be located in the Ajaokuta economic development corridor in the state.
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, is seeking the support of the management of NEPZA to make the proposed special economic zone which was conceived over 10 years ago a reality.
A statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismailia Isah, said the Governor was accompanied on the visit by top officials of the Kogi State government.
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The statement said further that the establishment of a special economic zone in the state is necessary to harness the abundant natural resources and to maximize the economic potential of the state given its strategic location as a connecting point between the north and the southern part of Nigeria.
The Governor noted that the 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.
The Governor stressed that the proposed special economic zone, will transform the state into a major hub for economic activities in the country as well as creating thousands of jobs opportunities for Nigerians.
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 Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr. 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.
Recall that, in line with procedures for the establishment of the proposed special economic zone, the Kogi State government had earlier allocated 3,000 hectares of land in the Ajaokuta economic development corridor for the project to be funded by a Public Private Partnership arrangement.
