FMT NEWS UPDATE
Kogi Economy Anticipates Boost as Plans to Establish Free Trade Zone Sails
By Fancy Media Team (FMT)
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has taken another step towards the fulfillment of his promise to transform the state into a major hub for economic activities in the country by partnering the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
Details of Governor Ododo’s visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi in Abuja on Tuesday was revealed in a press statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Ismaila Isah.
Governor Ododo who was accompanied on the visit by top Kogi State government functionaries noted that thousands of job opportunities would be created for Nigerians when the proposed Free Trade Zone which will be located in Ajaokuta fully becomes operational.
While seeking the support of the management of NEPZA to make the proposed special economic zone a reality, Governor Ododo further revealed that the project which was conceived for more than a decade ago will harness the abundant natural resources and maximize its economic potential given the state’s strategic location as a connecting point between the north and the southern part of Nigeria.
He said “Kogi 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 proposed special economic zone will transform the state into a major hub for economic activities in the country as well as creating thousands of job opportunities for Nigerians.”
In his response, the Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi said the authority would support Governor Ododo and his administration to kickstart modalities that would culminate to the timely approval and licensing of the special Free Trade Zone.
Consequently, the Managing Director commended Governor Ododo for bringing succour and development to the people of Kogi State.
