The Kogi State government has finalized an agreement with the People’s Republic of China for the establishment of the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone, which will operate as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo revealed this on Tuesday while receiving 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.

Ododo assured the delegation that both the state government and its private sector partners would provide all necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to ensure the project’s smooth execution and timely completion.

“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,” the governor stated.

Ms. Yan Yuqing confirmed that the Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone is backed by the Hunan Provincial Government, with support from the Chinese central government. She urged Chinese investors in Nigeria to take advantage of the initiative, emphasizing the strong economic ties between China and Nigeria.

“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 Ali Salami, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Kogi State Government, described the project as an ambitious initiative that requires full government and private sector commitment. He assured the delegation that the state would adopt global best practices in free trade zone development to ensure its success.

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The agreement follows Governor Ododo’s earlier engagement with Chinese officials in Lagos, where he lobbied for Chinese investment in the Free Trade Zone.

The Chinese delegation also toured key infrastructure in Ajaokuta, where the Free Trade Zone will be located on a 3,000-hectare site within the Ajaokuta Economic Development Corridor. The tour included inspections of the Ajaokuta train station, Geregu Power Station, and ongoing gas projects, all of which are critical to the Free Trade Zone’s success.