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Dada Ahmed,Editor, The Reporters.
Report by Maryam Abubakar Gulma in Lokoja.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Wednesday reaffirmed the state’s readiness to forge a strong partnership with the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), describing Kogi as a critical gateway to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Speaking while hosting members of the Commission at the Government House in Lokoja, the governor highlighted the state’s strategic location and abundant natural resources, noting that Kogi holds the key to unlocking vast economic opportunities for the nation.
He singled out the Ajaokuta Steel Company as a pivotal national asset, stressing that its revival would not only drive industrialisation but also reduce construction costs, create jobs, strengthen the naira, and position Nigeria as a leading steel producer in Africa.
“If Ajaokuta works, Nigeria works,” Ododo declared, urging the Commission to collaborate closely with the Federal Government to bring the long-awaited project back to life.
The governor also underscored the immense economic potential of the Rivers Niger and Benue, which traverse the state.
He explained that proper dredging and utilisation of the waterways could revolutionise transportation, enhance commerce, and boost agricultural productivity across the region.
According to him, a coordinated intervention in inland water transport and related sectors would not only uplift Kogi State but also transform the North Central zone into a vibrant hub of economic activity.
Ododo called on the Commission to uphold fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in the distribution of projects, while maintaining strong collaboration with state governments to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
He proposed the establishment of a liaison office in Lokoja to deepen engagement and improve service delivery, adding that Kogi is willing to align with the Commission to actualise its 32-Year Development Plan.
He also advocated for improved rail connectivity, particularly linking Itakpe to Abuja and extending to Makurdi, as a solution to persistent road congestion and a boost to regional integration.
The governor further emphasised the need for the Commission to promote unity, transparency, and accountability across the North Central region, noting that inclusive governance remains vital for lasting development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Commission, describing him as a “history maker” who provided a platform for the region to shape its development trajectory.
In his remarks, Chairman of the NCDC, Barrister Cosmos Akighir, commended the governor’s developmental strides, describing Kogi as a vital state in achieving the Commission’s mandate.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, said ongoing engagements with state governors across the region would determine the success of the Commission, adding that its achievements would be anchored on strong synergy with state governments.
Other stakeholders, including Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, reiterated the state’s strategic importance, noting that developments in Kogi have direct implications for neighbouring states.
The Commissioners for Agriculture and Food Security,Health, Education, and Water Resources also called for deeper collaboration, particularly in agriculture, healthcare delivery, infrastructure, and investment promotion.
The NCDC delegation, which had earlier visited Nasarawa, Plateau, and Benue states, expressed commitment to working with Kogi State not as a competitor but as a partner, with a focus on fostering development, attracting investment, and restoring peace and security across the region.
