Gov. Ododo Meets Finance Minister, Secures Federal Support for Kogi’s Development Drive

Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, has secured the commitment of the Federal Government to support the State’s development drive, particularly its efforts to attract strategic partnerships and financing for critical projects.

Governor Ododo secured the commitment on Sunday during a meeting with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in Abuja, where he presented Kogi State’s development priorities and briefed the Minister on the outcome of his recent visit to Kuwait.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and Kogi State in advancing projects identified by the State as critical to its long-term economic transformation.

Governor Ododo explained that his recent visit to Kuwait was aimed at exploring opportunities for development cooperation, affordable financing, technical expertise and institutional partnerships, including potential engagement with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, KFAED.

He said the State was developing a pipeline of projects in key sectors, including water security, irrigation and agriculture, reliable energy supply, mineral development and industrial value addition.

According to the Governor, the projects are designed to stimulate economic activity, attract investment, create employment opportunities and improve the living conditions of citizens across Kogi State.

He further explained that the initiatives are being developed within the framework of the State’s long-term development plan, with emphasis on projects capable of delivering sustainable economic and social benefits.

Responding, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to work with the Kogi State Government to advance its development objectives.

The Minister assured the Governor of the Federal Government’s support and collaboration as the proposed projects progress through the required technical preparation, appraisal and approval processes.

The engagement is expected to strengthen coordination between Kogi State and the Federal Government and facilitate the development of well-prepared and bankable projects capable of attracting development financing and strategic international partnerships.

Governor Ododo said his administration remained committed to responsible fiscal management, stressing that proposed projects would be supported by sound feasibility studies, clear implementation plans and sustainable financing arrangements.

He noted that the discussions in Kuwait had opened fresh opportunities for Kogi State to engage development partners and build a credible pipeline of projects, adding that financing arrangements would be determined through appropriate technical and government reviews.

The Governor said his administration would continue to pursue strategic partnerships at the national and international levels as part of efforts to accelerate economic development and deliver sustainable infrastructure and opportunities for the people of Kogi State.

The meeting marked another step in the Ododo administration’s efforts to deepen cooperation with the Federal Government and international development institutions in pursuit of the State’s development priorities.

Governor Ododo was accompanied to the meeting by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA.