Kogi To Get Approval For Free Trade Zone

By Muslimat Itopa

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and the Kogi State Government jointly hosted the 2025 AKK Business Development Roadshow in Lokoja, bringing together key stakeholders from government, industry, and the energy sector to discuss investment opportunities around the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, described the event as a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey towards economic transformation, industrial expansion, and sustainable development.

“We are united by a shared purpose to unlock the immense potential of the AKK pipeline and explore the vast opportunities it presents for investment, innovation, and industrial growth in Kogi State and across Nigeria,” the governor stated.

The governor revealed that Kogi is on the verge of securing federal approval for its Free Trade Zone, which will transform the state into a commercial hub and a driver of sub-national trade competitiveness.

“Kogi sits at the heart of Nigeria connecting the North and South, bordering ten commercial cities including the FCT. We are strategically positioned to lead Nigeria’s new energy revolution,” he added.

He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the AKK project, noting that it reflects his determination to shift Nigeria towards cleaner energy and position the nation as a global economic force.

“The President is building a Nigeria that not only produces gas for its citizens but for the entire world. His forward-thinking leadership is creating an industrial and diplomatic superpower,” Ododo remarked.

Governor Ododo also highlighted Kogi’s strategic efforts to ensure the safety and sustainability of national energy assets within the state:

“We have proactively secured the AKK pipeline corridors, ensuring surveillance and protection for these critical national investments. Any investor willing to partner with us receives full government support because we understand that investment here means progress for our people.”He noted.

Speaking at the event, Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President (Gas, Power & New Energy) of NNPC Ltd, emphasized that the corporation’s engagement with Kogi State is rooted in strategic partnership.

“We are not here as a favor to the Kogi State Government; we are here because Kogi is the confluence of commerce, opportunities, and energy. It is blessed with leadership that understands service and development,” Ogunleye said.

He reaffirmed NNPC’s dedication to the “Gas to Prosperity” initiative championed by President Tinubu, promising that the company would match the state’s passion with action.

“Under this administration, the focus on gas as a driver of prosperity and progress has reached new heights. The AKK Roadshow demonstrates how the government and the private sector can collaborate to achieve national growth,” he noted.

Providing updates on the project, Engineer Audu Ibrahim, Managing Director of the AKK Project, confirmed that the 614-kilometer gas pipeline from Ajaokuta to Kano is nearing completion.

“For those traveling from Lokoja to Abuja, you’ll notice that surface work along the pipeline corridor is complete. The pipes are now fully installed underground,” he announced.

The AKK project, approved under the Nigerian Gas Master Plan in 2008, is one of the country’s most critical infrastructure developments.

He said upon completion, the project will,Boost domestic gas supply, industrial development,and Strengthen Nigeria’s long-term energy security, among others

“We are on track to achieve mechanical completion and begin gas injection by next year,” Engr. Ibrahim said, adding that commissioning will begin in phases starting with Abuja, then Kaduna, and finally Kano

The 2025 AKK Business Development Roadshow underscored the shared vision between the Federal Government, NNPC Ltd, and Kogi State to harness Nigeria’s gas resources for industrialization, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

With the AKK pipeline nearing completion and Kogi State emerging as a central hub for energy investment, stakeholders agreed that the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape is brightly powered by collaboration, innovation, and leadership.