By Atlantic Reports

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has inaugurated a lubricant blending and packaging factory along the Ganaja–Ajaokuta Expressway, announcing a three-year waiver on selected state levies for its operator, Godec Power Nigeria Ltd.

Speaking at the opening of the Confluence Lube facility on Sunday, Ododo said the investment would support local manufacturing and employment.

The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, which he said were creating conditions for industrialisation and private investment. That assessment was his view; the event account did not establish a direct link between specific reforms and the company’s investment.

Company Reports 100 Direct Jobs

Godec Power’s Managing Director and Chairman, Chief Okechukwu Obika, said the factory produces engine oils for petrol and diesel engines, transmission oils and plastic containers.

He said the company had created 100 direct jobs and more than 200 indirect jobs, with the potential to exceed 300 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs at full operational capacity.

The current employment figures were company-reported, while the higher figures remain projections. No timetable for reaching full capacity was provided.

Obika said plans were underway to add hydraulic oil, brake fluid, transformer oil and grease to the product range.

According to him, Godec Power began in 2001 as an electricity trading business and subsequently diversified into cargo tricycle assembly, lubricant production, plastic recycling and manufacturing.

Relief from Five State Levies

Ododo announced that the company would receive a three-year waiver covering Land Use Charge, Environmental Levy, Business Premises Annual Renewal, Fire Service Levy and Economic Development Levy.

The announcement did not specify the monetary value of the concession or any conditions attached to it.

The governor said his administration welcomed investors who process resources locally and create employment, rather than remove raw materials without generating wider economic benefits for residents.

He argued that a stronger private sector was essential to expanding employment beyond the capacity of government.

Local Manufacturing Priorities

Ododo commended Obika, who also serves as Vice President of the Igbo Community in Kogi, for investing in the state.

He said Kogi’s location, resources and workforce offered opportunities for industrial growth and pledged continued support for investors.

The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Muhammed Shuaibu, also called for cooperation between businesses, communities and government to support economic development.

The factory’s opening marks an addition to Kogi’s manufacturing activity. Its longer-term contribution will depend on sustained production, the durability of the jobs reported and delivery of the company’s expansion plans.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.