Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone Will Drive Kogi’s Industrial Renaissance – Abdulraheem

The member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, has described the proposed Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) as strategic initiatives capable of unlocking Kogi State’s industrial and economic renaissance.

Abdulraheem stated this while speaking as Special Guest at a policy dialogue organised by the Soyuznik Alumni Association with the theme, “Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone: Unlocking Kogi State’s Industrial and Economic Renaissance.”

He said the era of merely discussing Ajaokuta’s potential was over, stressing that the state was entering a phase of active economic transformation driven by deliberate policies and investments.

According to him, the Free Trade Zone and the proposed Ajaokuta Agro-Industrial Hub under the SAPZ programme would position Kogi as a major industrial and manufacturing destination in Nigeria.

“The theme of this dialogue is not merely academic; it is a roadmap to our future. For decades, Ajaokuta has been spoken of in terms of its potential. Today, we are declaring that the era of mere potential is over. We are entering the era of active realisation,” he said.

The lawmaker commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructure development, economic growth and grassroots transformation.

He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing policies aimed at reviving key national industrial assets, including the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Abdulraheem said the synergy between the federal and state governments was crucial to unlocking the economic potential of Ajaokuta and Kogi State.

Highlighting the benefits of the SAPZ project, the federal lawmaker said the Ajaokuta Agro-Industrial Hub would provide modern processing facilities for major agricultural commodities such as rice, sesame, cashew and cassava, thereby boosting value addition and industrial production.

He noted that the project would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly for youths, while providing opportunities for skills acquisition and sustainable livelihoods.

The lawmaker further explained that the hub would offer shared infrastructure, including dedicated power supply, water treatment facilities, industrial waste management systems and efficient logistics services to attract both local and foreign investors.

He added that the project would strengthen market access for farmers through Agricultural Transformation Centres located in Anyigba, Alape and Osara, enabling them to connect more effectively with domestic and international markets.

Abdulraheem urged members of the Soyuznik Alumni Association to leverage their international exposure and technical expertise to support the realisation of the Free Trade Zone and SAPZ projects.
He assured stakeholders of his continued legislative support to facilitate policies and initiatives that would guarantee the success of the projects.

“The Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone are not just government projects; they are our collective heritage. We must work together to transform Ajaokuta from a symbol of waiting into a global beacon of industrial prosperity,” he stated.

The policy dialogue brought together stakeholders, development experts and members of the Soyuznik Alumni Association to discuss strategies for accelerating industrialisation and economic development in Kogi State through the proposed Free Trade Zone and agro-industrial investments.