Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has announced a three-year waiver on selected state levies for businesses as part of efforts to attract private-sector investment, boost industrialisation and create employment opportunities.
Ododo announced the incentive while commissioning the Confluence Lube lubricant blending and packaging factory established by Godec Power Nigeria Limited along the Ganaja-Ajaokuta Expressway in Kogi State.
The governor said the waiver would cover Land Use Charge, Environmental Levy, Business Premises Annual Renewal, Fire Service Levy and Economic Development Levy, adding that the initiative was aimed at creating a more favourable business environment for investors.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts to promote industrialisation and private-sector investment, expressing optimism that Nigeria was gradually regaining its economic strength.
Ododo described the new facility as a significant addition to Kogi’s industrial development, noting that sustainable economic growth depended on investments that create jobs, process raw materials locally and add value to the state’s economy.
He said his administration was committed to developing a strong private sector capable of employing more people than the public sector, while assuring investors of continued government support.
According to him, Kogi has the strategic location, natural resources and human capacity to become a major industrial hub in Nigeria if investors are encouraged to establish productive ventures in the state.
The governor particularly commended the Chairman and Managing Director of Godec Power Nigeria Limited, Chief Okechukwu Obika, who also serves as Vice President of the Igbo Community in Kogi State, for investing in lubricant production and plastic container manufacturing.
He said the investment demonstrated growing confidence in the state’s economic potential and aligned with his administration’s commitment to promoting local production and employment.
In his welcome address, Obika said Godec Power Nigeria Limited was established in 2001 as an electricity trading business before diversifying into cargo tricycle assembly and distribution, lubricant production, plastic recycling, plastic container manufacturing, industrial tools and agricultural processing equipment.
He explained that the Confluence Lube facility currently produces engine oils for petrol and diesel engines, transmission oils and plastic containers, while plans are underway to introduce hydraulic oil, brake fluid, transformer oil and grease.
Obika disclosed that the company had created 100 direct jobs and more than 200 indirect jobs, noting that expansion to full operational capacity could increase employment to over 300 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs.
He said the company’s diversification reflected its commitment to industrial growth, local manufacturing and economic development.
READ ALSO: NiDCOM Celebrates Abike Dabiri-Erewa at 64, Hails Diaspora Engagement
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with investors and communities to stimulate economic activities across Kogi.
Shuaibu stressed the importance of cooperation and inclusion in advancing development, adding that the administration remained committed to working with people from different backgrounds and communities to promote the state’s collective prosperity.
About The Author
1 thought on “Ododo Offers Three-Year Levy Waiver to Attract Investors to Kogi”