NCDC Backs Ajaokuta Economic City, Targets Dredging and Rail Links to Unlock North Central Growth
The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has announced major plans to pursue the dredging of Rivers Niger and Benue and accelerate railway connectivity across the North Central region, positioning these infrastructure corridors as catalysts for industrialisation, trade expansion and regional competitiveness.
Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, gave the assurance at the launch and signing ceremony of the Ajaokuta Economic City (Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone) agreement between the Kogi State Government and a Chinese consortium.
Tsenyil described the Ajaokuta Economic City as a strategic intervention that aligns with the Commission’s mandate to identify development gaps and mobilise large-scale solutions that enhance prosperity—not just for Kogi State, but for the North Central region and the nation at large.
He emphasised that the NCDC was created not to compete with state governments, but to complement and strengthen their development efforts through infrastructure enhancements, improved trade logistics and regional economic integration.
A Transformational Vision for Kogi and the North Central Zone
Tsenyil commended Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, for his foresight in initiating the free trade zone, noting that Ajaokuta holds unique potential due to its mineral-rich geography, central location, industrial heritage and human capacity base.
Governor Ododo described the initiative as a bold, transformative step capable of redefining Kogi’s economic landscape, deepening Nigeria’s industrial architecture and generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone, describing it as a major gateway to manufacturing expansion, export growth and inclusive development.
Ododo added that the project’s take-off aligns with the early operations of the NCDC, which has demonstrated clear commitment to providing enabling infrastructure—including transport, trade logistics, and industrial support systems—to ensure the zone’s long-term success.
Private Sector and Global Partners Rally Behind the Project
Industry leader and Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Isyaku Rabiu, praised Ododo’s commitment, noting that the free trade zone will unlock deeper layers of Kogi’s economic potential. He described the NCDC as a critical partner for private-sector-driven industrialisation and pledged support for its programmes.
The leader of the Chinese consortium, Mr. Li Zhensheng, reaffirmed the group’s enthusiasm to partner with Kogi State. He disclosed that the project will be funded in collaboration with global partners—an indicator of its scale and international attractiveness.
Other stakeholders at the event expressed confidence in the initiative and pledged contributions to support its implementation.
Tsenyil attended alongside NCDC Executive Director, Projects, Princess Atika Ajanah, and Executive Director, Commercial and Industrial, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim.
BRANDECONOMY Insight
The Ajaokuta Economic City represents more than a free trade zone; it is a regional integration engine that could redefine the economic identity of the North Central region.
1. Infrastructure as the Foundation of Regional Competitiveness
The NCDC’s commitment to dredging the Niger and Benue rivers and expanding rail networks signals a clear recognition: no regional economy can scale without low-cost, multimodal transport. Dredging alone could reduce logistics costs by up to 40% and unlock inland waterways as a viable freight alternative.
2. Ajaokuta’s Industrial Promise Depends on Connectivity
For decades, Ajaokuta’s vast industrial potential has remained dormant due to poor access and fragmented infrastructure. The free trade zone—combined with dredging and rail expansion—creates the first coherent blueprint for transforming Ajaokuta into a national manufacturing and export hub.
3. Regional Development Requires Shared Vision
The NCDC’s strategy aligns with successful global models where regional development agencies accelerate growth by coordinating infrastructure, investment, and industrial clusters. If executed diligently, this will place the North Central region among Nigeria’s most dynamic economic corridors.
4. Private Sector Confidence Is Rising
The participation of BUA Group and Chinese partners signals growing investor confidence. With strategic funding, governance transparency and policy consistency, Ajaokuta Economic City could become one of Nigeria’s most bankable industrial zones.
In essence, the NCDC’s support, combined with Kogi’s political will and global investor interest, positions Ajaokuta as a future engine of industrial expansion, job creation and regional transformation.
