Ajaokuta Economic City Summit: Kogi Chief Economic Adviser Hon Aliyu Salami Highlights Vision for Human-Free Trade Zone

By SILAS MEABE 

News:sports:politics 

Abuja, Nigeria — 2025

The unveiling of the Ajaokuta Economic City Summit, a major step toward establishing the Kogi Human Free Trade Zone, took place yesterday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, drawing government officials, investors, development partners, and economic stakeholders from across the country.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the summit, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State Hon Aliyu Salami  described the initiative as “a transformative economic blueprint designed to reposition Kogi State as a premier investment destination in West Africa.”

According to him, the Ajaokuta Economic City project is strategically crafted to unlock new industrial corridors, catalyze large-scale manufacturing, and create an enabling environment for technology-driven enterprises. He emphasized that the Human Free Trade Zone will operate under globally competitive policies to attract foreign direct investment, boost export-oriented production, and stimulate job creation across the state.

He noted that the administration of Governor Usman Ododo is committed to ensuring that the project becomes one of the most impactful economic developments in Nigeria in the coming years.

“What we are unveiling today is more than a concept—this is a long-term economic infrastructure that will reshape the future of Kogi State,” he said.
“The Ajaokuta Economic City will not only maximize the state’s strategic location as the gateway between the North and South, but it will also harness our abundant natural resources, skilled labor force, and emerging urban infrastructure. Investors are already expressing strong interest, and we are ready to provide the right legal, structural, and economic frameworks to support them.”

He explained that the Human Free Trade Zone will feature specialized industrial clusters, logistics hubs, a digital innovation center, and modern residential districts designed to meet global standards. The zone, he said, aims to become a self-sustaining economic ecosystem that will drive revenue growth for both the state and the country.

The Chief Economic Adviser also highlighted ongoing partnerships with federal agencies, international development institutions, and private sector players, assuring that the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic diversification agenda.

Stakeholders at the summit praised the initiative as timely, describing it as a bold move toward industrial renewal—particularly with its proximity to the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and other major national assets.

The event concluded with presentations, investment pitches, and a commitment from the Kogi State Government to fast-track the implementation phase of the mega project.