Ajaokuta Economic City to Commence Operations in 2026- Ododo

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has announced that the proposed Ajaokuta Economic City, designated to host the Kogi-Hunan Free Trade Zone, will commence operations this year, with groundbreaking scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.

The governor made the disclosure while leading a delegation of state officials to receive the Declaration Certificate formally designating the Ajaokuta Economic City as a Free Trade Zone.

The certificate was presented at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) by its Managing Director, Olufemi Ogunyemi, following approval by the Federal Government.

According to a statement issued by Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, the designation followed earlier authorization granted in November 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of the 4,000 hectare Ajaokuta Economic City in Kogi State.

Governor Ododo said the Free Trade Zone status provides a robust legal and investment framework to attract both local and foreign investors, stimulate industrial growth, and generate thousands of jobs for residents of the state.

He described the development as a “historic turning point” for Kogi State and Nigeria’s broader industrialization drive, noting that it would reposition Ajaokuta as a major economic hub in West Africa.

“Today is historic for our people. Sometime last year, I was here to interface with the Managing Director and his team to present reasons why Kogi State should be considered for this special project the Ajaokuta Economic City and Free Trade Zone.

He guided us and set up various committees to ensure due diligence and compliance with all processes.

When a leader sincerely places the interest of the people first, the result is what we are seeing today,” Ododo said.

The governor explained that the Free Trade Zone would serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, leveraging Kogi State’s strategic location and abundant mineral resources. He noted that the state borders several commercial centres, including the Federal Capital Territory, and is endowed with more than 30 solid minerals in commercial quantities, such as coal, iron ore, lithium, gold, and beryllium.

“If you look at Kogi State, it is uniquely positioned. It borders about 10 commercial centres, including the Federal Capital Territory.

We are richly blessed with solid minerals such as coal, iron ore, lithium, gold, and beryllium, but these have not fully worked for us,” he stated.

Ododo added that the initiative would unlock the state’s economic potential and position Ajaokuta as a strategic industrial hub capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda. He further assured that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to revive the Ajaokuta facility.
“Some people are not aware of what Mr President is currently doing in Ajaokuta.

As we speak, investors are already assessing the plant. Before the end of this year, Ajaokuta will be up and running. With the coming of this Free Trade Zone, the project will advertise itself and add to the economic sustainability of our nation,” he said.

In his remarks, Ogunyemi described the issuance of the licence as the beginning of a long journey, assuring that NEPZA would continue to support the state in developing the zone.

“The road does not end here. This is the beginning of a long journey. This is a multi sectoral economic city that can become one of the most successful Free Trade Zones in Nigeria,” he said.

He explained that the Free Trade Zone model is globally recognised as a tool to attract investment, promote exports, and create jobs.

With the addition of Ajaokuta Economic City, the number of Free Trade Zones licensed and regulated by NEPZA has risen to about 46, further expanding Nigeria’s special economic zones framework and strengthening efforts to attract foreign investment, boost exports, and drive industrialisation ahead of its planned 2026 take-off.