In a strategic move to unlock the full potential of Kogi State’s vast mineral wealth and industrial capacity, the State Government has secured a landmark partnership with China’s Hunan Province. The collaboration, sealed during Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s official visit to China, centres on mining, steel development, and the establishment of a world-class Industrial Park in Ajaokuta.
Kogi, often referred to as Nigeria’s mineral heartland, is poised to take a central role in the country’s industrial resurgence through this partnership. The high-level discussions and agreements with Hunan—China’s fourth-largest steel producer and a powerhouse in industrial development—are expected to catalyse the long-anticipated revival of the Ajaokuta steel complex and position the state as a nucleus for heavy industry.
Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, described the Governor’s visit as a “masterstroke that will change the investment narrative of Kogi State.” He noted that the partnership would serve as a launchpad for revamping the solid minerals sector and realising the long-held vision of turning Ajaokuta into an Industrial Park and Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
“The economic potential of Kogi State is now firmly on the international radar,” Fanwo stated. “The agreements signed with Hunan Province are just the beginning of a new era of industrial growth, global partnerships, and sustainable development for our state.”
The Commissioner confirmed that the Memoranda of Understanding signed by Governor Ododo and his counterpart, Governor Mao Weiming of Hunan Province, are specifically targeted at the development of the Ajaokuta Industrial Park. The park is envisioned as a strategic base for steel manufacturing, mineral processing, and allied industries.
His words: “As part of the collaboration, a series of investment-related meetings have been held, with the support of 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.”
Hunan Province, known for its robust economy exceeding N1 trillion in GDP, has built its success on industrial parks and mineral value chain development. With shared features such as extensive river networks and mineral endowments, Kogi and Hunan are natural allies in the drive toward industrial expansion and resource beneficiation.
Under the China-Africa Economic and Trade Partnership (CAETP) framework and a ‘Sister City’ agreement, Kogi aims to replicate Hunan’s success in steel and mineral industries, with Ajaokuta as the flagship site. This comes as part of Governor Ododo’s broader strategy to reposition Kogi as Nigeria’s industrial frontier.
“The fact that the Chief Servant of the State is leading the delegation and negotiations has instilled confidence in the investors that Kogi is ready for business. This is in line with the promise of the Chief Servant to make the State the global epicenter of investments and to diversify the economy,” Fanwo added.
The delegation included key figures such as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Nda Salami; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Muizudeen Abdullahi, SAN; the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Development, Hon. Idris Asiru; the Auditor General, Mr. Yakubu Okala; and other senior government officials and investment experts—all working in tandem to ensure effective implementation of the agreements.
“Governor Ododo’s leadership and vision were key to building confidence and trust with Chinese investors, showing a clear commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investment. The Kogi State Government is focused on making the State a hub for industrial development, leveraging the new partnership with Hunan to unlock vast opportunities in mining, steel production, and infrastructure,” Fanwo concluded.
He recalled the Governor’s commitment: “On January 27, 2025, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo promised an unprecedented foreign investment drive to ensure Kogi’s resources work for the people of Kogi. Less than three months after that promise, he is already crossing continents to attract meaningful development to the state.”
