By Kehinde Erin
Kogi State government has sealed a groundbreaking agreement with the People’s Republic of China, paving the way for the launch of the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone, which boasts the status of a Free Trade Zone.
This development was announced by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as he welcomed a delegation of Chinese investors and consular officials, led by Ms. Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China based in Lagos, at the Government House in Lokoja, the state capital recently,
Governor Ododo gave the Chinese delegation a reassuring commitment that the Kogi State government, in collaboration with private sector partners, will establish all necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
This ensures the project’s seamless execution and timely completion, paving the way for a successful partnership.
“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 in collaboration with our private sector partners to ensure its success,” he said.
The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, revealed that the Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone is a collaborative effort between the Hunan Province government and the Chinese government.
She urged Chinese investors in Nigeria to support and participate in the project, citing the longstanding bilateral agreements between Nigeria and China.
“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 said.
Alhaji Inda Salami, Chief Economic Adviser to the Kogi State Government, emphasised the significance of the Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone, describing it as an ambitious project that requires unwavering commitment from both the state government and private sector partners.
He reassured the delegation that the state government team would tap into global expertise in free trade zone development, ensuring the project’s success by adopting best practices.
The Kogi State Governor, accompanied by members of the state’s economic team, had earlier paid a visit to the Chinese Consular in Lagos. This strategic move was aimed at securing the Chinese government’s support for the project as a core investor in the Free Trade Zone.
The visit laid the groundwork for a landmark partnership between Kogi State and the People’s Republic of China, ultimately leading to a formal agreement for the launch of the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone, which will operate as a Free Trade Zone.
The Chinese delegation kicked off their visit by touring key infrastructure sites in Ajaokuta, the future home of the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone. This massive project will span 3,000 hectares of land within the Ajaokuta economic development corridor.
During their tour, the delegation inspected crucial locations, including the Ajaokuta train station, Geregu Power Station, and ongoing gas projects, all of which are vital for the seamless operation and development of the Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone.
