Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has disclosed that the Free Trade Zone would soon commence operations.
This followed an agreement between the state government and the People’s Republic of China for the takeoff of ‘Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone.’
Ododo made the disclosure yesterday when he received a delegation of Chinese investors and consular officials led by the Consul-General, People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, at the Government House, Lokoja.
Describing the take off as “apt and strategic,” the governor assured the Chinese delegation that Kogi government and its private sector partners would ensure that the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are in place to guarantee the smooth takeoff and timely completion of the project.
“We are committed to making 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.
In her remarks, Consul-General Yuqing announced that Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone is being spearheaded by the government of Hunan Province with the backing of the Chinese government.
She emphasised that Chinese investors in Nigeria have a responsibility to support and key into the project in line with the long-standing bilateral commitments between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
“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.
Earlier, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Kogi State government, Alhaji Inda Ali-Salami described Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone as an ambitious project that requires the full commitment of the state government and its private sector partners.
Ali-Salami assured the delegation that the state government team would leverage global best practices in free trade zone development to ensure the project’s success.
Governor Ododo and members of the state’s economic team had earlier visited the Chinese Consular in Lagos to woo the Chinese government to support the project as a core investor, setting the stage for the landmark partnership between Kogi State and the People’s Republic of China.
The engagement had culminated in the formal agreement for the takeoff of Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone, which would operate as a Free Trade Zone.
The Chinese delegation had earlier embarked on a tour of strategic infrastructure in Ajaokuta economic development corridor, where the Zone would be situated on 3,000 hectares of land.
The delegation inspected key locations, including Ajaokuta Train Station, Geregu Power Station and ongoing gas projects, all vital for the smooth operation and development of the Free Trade Zone.
