The Kogi State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, has formally declared open the inaugural meeting of the Kogi State Economic Council, a strategic body mandated to spearhead economic policies and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, diversification, and wealth creation in the state.
The meeting held at the Government House in Lokoja, was presided over by the Honorable Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, who also doubles as the Alternate Chairman of the Economic Council, represented the Governor at the event.
Delivering the Governor’s address, the Commissioner emphasized the critical role of the Economic Council in charting a course for economic prosperity through strategic policy formulation, innovative financing, and investment-driven initiatives.
“Our administration is founded on continuity and consolidation,” the Commissioner stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding the solid foundation laid by former Governor Yahaya Bello. “Through the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ododo, we are poised to propel Kogi State towards unprecedented economic growth, leveraging the wealth of expertise represented in this Council.”
The Commissioner acknowledged the pressing economic challenges facing the country, including the removal of fuel subsidies, inflation, and rising unemployment, and reiterated the state’s resolve to implement innovative, out-of-the-box strategies to tackle these challenges.
“We recognize the economic hardships confronting our people, but our response will not be limited to temporary relief measures. We are committed to addressing the root causes of economic stagnation by harnessing Kogi State’s vast human, mineral, and agricultural resources,” the Commissioner affirmed.
The state has already taken bold steps by providing interim palliatives, including the quarterly distribution of rice and financial interventions in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. These initiatives aim to alleviate immediate economic pressures while laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability.
The Governor’s address highlighted the state’s rich endowment with over 29 solid minerals in commercial quantity, extensive arable land, and unique tourist attractions, all of which remain largely underutilized.
The newly inaugurated Economic Council is expected to develop chart ways to maximize these resources, stimulate industrialization, and create employment opportunities for the people of the state
He further said Kogi State is home to major industries such as Ajaokuta Steel Company, Itakpe Iron Ore, and Obajana Cement Plant, which hold the potential to significantly boost the state’s economy. “It is unacceptable that, despite these enormous resources, many of our people still struggle to meet their basic needs, however, we assure you that this administration is determined to change this narrative
While acknowledging the need for improvements in economic indices such as GDP growth rate, unemployment rate, and ease of doing business, Hon. Idris highlighted Kogi’s remarkable strides in revenue generation, investment promotion, and fiscal transparency, which have earned commendation from institutions such as the Federal Ministry of Finance and the World Bank.
He reiterated that the administration’s economic blueprint aligns with the 32-Year Kogi State Development Plan, a document that defines the government’s vision for long-term economic growth. “This administration is fully committed to implementing policies that will move Kogi State towards economic self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on federal allocations,” he stated.
Key projects outlined in the Governor’s speech include:
The Kogi-Hunan Special Economic Zone, a 3,000-hectare Free Trade Zone in Ajaokuta, was established in partnership with the People’s Republic of China, aimed at attracting foreign investment and boosting industrialization.
The New Lokoja Ultra-Modern Market is a 25-hectare commercial hub designed to consolidate and modernize existing markets, enhancing trade efficiency and safety.
A New International Airport in Zariagi is an approved aviation project intended to ease congestion on the Abuja-Lokoja road and support economic expansion.
The Commissioner, however, charged members of the Economic Council with the responsibility of developing sustainable policies that will unlock Kogi State’s full economic potential. “Your selection was based on your capacity, experience, and commitment to excellence. We expect you to bring your expertise to bear in shaping policies that will drive inclusive economic growth,” he urged.
Governor Ododo’s administration remains resolute in its mission to transform Kogi State into a model of economic prosperity, investment attraction, and infrastructural excellence. The Economic Council is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these ambitious goals, working in close collaboration with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
Following the inauguration, the Council convened its first official meeting, where several key resolutions were
reached to accelerate economic development.
Key Resolutions from the Economic Council Meeting
1. Revenue Enhancement:The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) will collaborate with PricewaterhouseCoopers Chartered Accountants (PwC) to identify challenges in revenue collection and implement strategic solutions aimed at broadening the state’s revenue base.
2. Tax Holiday Program: To improve and increase MSME and entrepreneur development in the state, the KGIRS to profile and give a tax holiday program for 250 beneficiaries of the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Program,
3. Agricultural Development:In a bid to strengthen the agricultural sector, the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the Director-General of the Kogi State Commodity and Export Promotion Agency (KOSCEPA), will assess federal government silos in the state for potential leasing. These facilities will serve as storage hubs for key crops such as cashews and rice, improving post-harvest management and market access.
4. Investment Promotion:The Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor and the CEO of the Kogi State Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnership Agency have been tasked with developing a comprehensive proposal for establishing a mineral buying center in the state. This initiative aims to attract investors, streamline trade, and enhance economic activities in the solid minerals sector
5. Local Participation in Investments:The state government will ensure that investor agreements prioritize local participation by emphasizing local skill utilization and content development, thereby creating more job opportunities for Kogi State residents.
The list of inaugurated members are
the Commissioners for;
Bar Salami Momodu Ozigi Deedat.
Hon Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs.
Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah
Culture and Tourism, Mr Acharu Okapanachi
Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Bashir Gegu
Special Duties, Hon. Sunday Faleke
Others include:
– Hon Yakubu Yusuf Okala
– Dr Habibat Tijjani Aliyu
State Accountant-General
Mr Aliyu Salami,Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor
Engr. Lawal. O.
Mohammed. MD CEO Kogi Solid Mineral Development Company Ltd
Dr Olusiji Aina Coordinator Governance Delivery Unit
Hon. Omofaiye Victor Ade. DG Commodity Exchange Expirt Promotion and Market Development Agency
Mr.Sule Salihu,Chairman Kogi State Internal Revenue Services
Mr. Baron Okwoli.
MD KOGI AGRO-ALLIED COMPANY LTD
Dr Shuaibu Mohammed.
MD Kogi Investment and Properties Ltd
Dr Ozomata Abdullahi
Technical Adviser to the Governor
Princess Funsho Sumanu
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.
