Priority Sector
Agriculture and agro-processing are major contributors, making up roughly 30% of the state’s Gross State Product (GSP). The fertile land in Kogi enables extensive production of crops like cassava, rice, yam, and maize. Cassava alone contributes approximately 16% of Nigeria’s total, with over 3.3 million tons produced in 2022. Investment opportunities in this sector include processing plants, storage facilities, and export logistics, which can enhance supply chains and reduce post-harvest losses.
Kogi is also rich in mineral resources, including an estimated 3 billion tons of iron ore, more than 50% of Nigeria’s limestone reserves, and deposits of marble, coal, and dolomite. This makes the state a promising hub for mining and processing industries, especially in cement, steel, and marble. For instance, the Dangote Cement plant in Obajana leverages Kogi’s limestone reserves and is one of Nigeria’s largest cement production facilities. The solid minerals sector already contributes about 10% to Kogi’s GSP, with further growth possible through investments in extraction and processing facilities, which can boost employment and state revenues.
Manufacturing and industrial development are also crucial sectors, given Kogi’s strategic central location and access to raw materials. The Ajaokuta Steel Company, which has an annual production capacity of 1.3 million tons when operational, could play a vital role in Nigeria’s steel industry, creating a foundation for heavy manufacturing and steel-based products. The proximity to resources and significant trade routes makes Kogi an ideal location for industrial activities, aligning with national industrialization goals.
In tourism, Kogi offers unique attractions, including historical sites such as Lord Lugard’s Rest House, Mount Patti, and the scenic Confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers. These and the state’s cultural festivals provide avenues for eco-tourism and heritage tourism. Although tourism currently contributes less than 1% to the state’s GSP, there is considerable room for growth. Investments in infrastructure, accommodations, and transport can help unlock tourism potential, drawing more visitors and generating economic benefits for local communities.
Together, these sectors present significant opportunities for diversified economic development in Kogi State, backed by strategic investments and incentives. Growth across agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism can create jobs, increase local revenues, and drive sustainable growth.
Economic Data
Kogi State has a mixed economy driven by agriculture, solid minerals, and the services sector. Agriculture is the most significant contributor, accounting for roughly 30% of the state’s Gross State Product (GSP), with an estimated 70% of the population employed in agricultural activities. The state produces substantial cassava, rice, and yam, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s overall food production.
Regarding mineral resources, Kogi has one of Nigeria’s most diverse reserves, including over 3 billion tons of iron ore and more than 50% of the country’s limestone deposits. This mineral wealth has spurred interest from domestic and international investors, especially in cement production, steel, and other industries that rely on these raw materials.
Kogi’s strategic location along major trade routes, especially the Lokoja-Abuja axis, supports commerce and enhances the ease of transporting goods to and from key markets. The Lokoja port on the Niger River also plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade across Nigeria’s riverine regions, contributing to the state’s economic connectivity and growth potential.
Infrastructure
Kogi State has essential infrastructure that supports investment and economic growth. Its strategic location at the center of Nigeria connects it to major trade routes, with key highways like the Lokoja-Abuja Road facilitating transport between northern and southern regions. The state is home to the Lokoja River Port, which enhances riverine transport along the Niger, connecting to other ports and making it easier to move goods across Nigeria.
Regarding power supply, Kogi houses the Geregu Power Plant, which contributes to Nigeria’s electricity grid, offering a reliable energy source for industries. The Ajaokuta Steel Complex, though not fully operational, provides infrastructure for future industrial activities, including heavy manufacturing and steel processing. Additionally, Kogi hosts the Dangote Cement plant in Obajana, one of the most extensive cement production facilities in Africa, highlighting the state’s capacity for large-scale industrial projects. With these infrastructure assets, Kogi is well-positioned to attract investment across agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
