Kogi State Government has secured a landmark partnership with Hunan Province, China, aimed at advancing development across key sectors including agriculture, mining, and industrialization. This collaboration, formalized during a high-level visit by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his delegation to China, is set to position Kogi as a prime investment destination in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the Governor’s trip as a “masterstroke that will change the investment narrative of Kogi State.” He emphasized that the partnership with Hunan would boost the state’s agricultural and solid minerals sectors while attracting foreign investments and accelerating the realization of the Ajaokuta Industrial Park.
Hunan Province, with its capital city in Changsha, is one of China’s largest provinces, boasting a GDP in excess of N1 trillion. Renowned for its strengths in agriculture, solid minerals, and industrial development, Hunan is the fourth-largest steel producer and the leading rice-producing province in China. Its successful model of industrial parks has driven impressive economic growth, making it an ideal partner for Kogi State, which shares similar attributes, including a vast river system and abundant natural resources.
In line with these synergies, the Kogi State Government deliberately pursued a partnership with Hunan Province under the China-Africa Economic and Trade Partnership (CAETP) and a ‘Sister City’ collaboration agreement. The partnership aims to unlock Kogi’s vast agricultural and mineral potential while fostering industrial growth and infrastructure development.
According to the Commissioner, the agreements signed by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Governor Mao Weiming of Hunan Province focus on the development of an Industrial Park in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. This park is expected to function as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), creating opportunities for both local and international investors.
“As part of the collaboration, a series of investment-related meetings have been held—with support from Hunan officials—to identify anchor and tenant investors for the Industrial Park. Early progress has been promising, with several Chinese investors expressing strong interest in the project, marking significant ‘quick wins’ for the partnership.
“The economic potential of Kogi State is now firmly on the international radar. The agreements signed with Hunan Province mark the beginning of a new era of industrial growth, global partnerships, and sustainable development for our state,” Fanwo said.
The delegation, personally led by the Chief Servant of the State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, included the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of Kogi State, Mr. Nda Salami; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Muizudeen Abdullahi, SAN; the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Development, Mr. Idris Asiru; the Auditor General of the State, Mr. Yakubu Okala; along with other top government officials and investment advisors. The team is working diligently to ensure the successful implementation of the agreements and to continue attracting foreign direct investment into Kogi State.
“The fact that the Chief Servant of the State is personally leading the delegation and negotiations has instilled confidence among investors that Kogi is open for business. This aligns with his promise to transform the state into a global investment hub and diversify the economy.
“Governor Ododo’s leadership and vision were instrumental in building trust and confidence with Chinese investors, clearly demonstrating his commitment to creating a business-friendly environment. The Kogi State Government remains focused on making the state a hub for industrial development, leveraging the new partnership with Hunan to unlock vast opportunities in agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and industrial parks.”
“On January 27, 2025, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, promised an unprecedented foreign investment drive to ensure Kogi’s resources work for its people. Less than three months later, he is already crossing continents to attract meaningful development to the state,” Fanwo concluded.
