Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for industries and businesses to thrive, assuring industrialists and investors of sustained government support to expand their operations and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

The Governor gave the assurance during the inauguration of the Board of Governors of the Kogi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA), where he was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SGS), Dr. Folashade Ayoade  Arike.

Dr. Arike, while delivering the Governor’s message, appreciated industrialists who had chosen Kogi State as their investment destination despite the availability of commercial opportunities in other parts of the country.

She noted that Kogi’s strategic location and proximity to the Federal Capital Territory placed the state in an advantageous position for industrial and commercial development.

According to her, Governor Ododo is committed to supporting businesses operating in the state, particularly in the areas of commerce, industry, mining and agriculture, and urged investors to communicate their challenges to the government.

She explained that the administration had facilitated the establishment of the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Kogi State to provide industrialists and entrepreneurs with access to affordable, single-digit interest loans.

The SGS encouraged business owners to take advantage of the BOI facility rather than depend solely on commercial banks with higher lending rates.

She further assured industrialists that she was willing to intervene and follow up with the Bank of Industry where qualified applicants experienced difficulties accessing loans despite meeting the required documentation.

Dr. Arike, who disclosed that she had nearly three decades of working experience with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), also offered to assist manufacturers with product registration and related regulatory requirements.

She encouraged businesses to obtain the necessary certifications and documentation to position their products for local and international markets.

The SGS also highlighted the benefits of the recently introduced ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme in the North-Central region, explaining that eligible products could access markets in other West African countries under the scheme.

She urged industrialists to obtain the necessary information and comply with the requirements to benefit from the opportunities provided by the trade arrangement.

On infrastructure development, Dr. Arike disclosed that the state government was constructing an international market to provide Kogi-based businesses with improved access to wider markets.

She described the project as an investment in the economic future of Kogi residents, disclosing that the facility would feature security cameras, police facilities, firefighting infrastructure, places of worship and other essential amenities.

She urged local manufacturers, traders and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the market by securing shops and expanding their businesses before prospective investors from other states and the diaspora occupied the available spaces.

According to her, the market was designed to promote the marketing and distribution of locally produced goods, while creating opportunities for businesses to reach international destinations, including the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.

The SGS reiterated the Governor’s readiness to work with industrialists and business owners, stressing that the administration remained committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship between government and the private sector.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Muktar  commended traditional rulers, KOCCIMA leadership, industrialists and other stakeholders for their contributions to the development of commerce and industry in the state.

He acknowledged the existing collaboration between the ministry, KOCCIMA and relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

The Commissioner expressed confidence that the inauguration of the Board of Governors would further strengthen the partnership between the state government and the organised private sector, thereby advancing industrial and commercial activities across Kogi State.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary cooperation and institutional support to KOCCIMA, expressing optimism that the chamber would record greater progress through sustained collaboration.

The Commissioner congratulated the newly inaugurated board members and urged them to approach their responsibilities with dedication, noting that their positions carried significant expectations for the economic development of the state.

In his vote of thanks, the Director-General of KOCCIMA, Eneojo Samuel, expressed appreciation to the state government and other stakeholders for the confidence reposed in the newly inaugurated board.

He said the coming together of experienced stakeholders would strengthen the chamber’s capacity to promote commerce, industry, mines and agriculture in Kogi State and the North-Central region.

He thanked all those who contributed to the successful inauguration and prayed for God’s guidance in the discharge of their responsibilities.