The governor made the announcement on Sunday, October 11, 2026, during the commissioning of the Confluence Lube facility owned by Godec Power Nigeria Limited along the Ganaja–Ajaokuta Expressway.

Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for policies he said were helping to create a more favourable environment for industrialisation and private-sector investment. He expressed optimism that Nigeria was gradually regaining its economic strength.

The governor described the factory as a significant addition to Kogi’s industrial sector, noting that investments in productive businesses could generate jobs, strengthen the local economy and improve livelihoods.

He said Kogi could achieve greater economic growth if investors committed resources to ventures that create employment and process raw materials locally instead of moving them elsewhere without generating sufficient benefits for residents.

As part of the state government’s efforts to support businesses, Ododo announced a three-year waiver on selected annual levies. The relief covers Land Use Charge, Environmental Levy, Business Premises Annual Renewal, Fire Service Levy and Economic Development Levy.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a strong private sector capable of providing employment opportunities beyond what government institutions alone could offer.

The governor also praised Chief Okechukwu Obika, chairman and managing director of Godec Power Nigeria Limited and vice-president of the Igbo Community in Kogi State, for investing in local manufacturing.

According to Obika, the company began operations in 2001 as an electricity trading business before expanding into several areas, including 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 produces engine oils for petrol and diesel engines, transmission oils and plastic containers. The company also plans to expand its product range to include hydraulic oil, brake fluid, transformer oil and grease.

Obika disclosed that the business had created 100 direct jobs and more than 200 indirect jobs. He added that employment could rise to over 300 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs when the facility reaches full operational capacity.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with investors and communities to promote economic development.

The commissioning represents a boost to Kogi’s efforts to attract private investment and expand local production. The long-term impact will depend on the factory’s growth, the sustainability of the jobs created and the effective implementation of the government’s business-support measures.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia