North Central · Capital: Lokoja
Kogi State
Governor: Ahmed Usman Ododo
Population
3,278,487
Land area
29,833 km²
Created
August 27, 1991
Governance
Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo (APC, born 1 January 1978 in Okene) has served as Governor of Kogi State since 27 January 2024, succeeding Yahaya Bello. A trained accountant and former state Auditor-General for Local Government, his 2026 'Kogi Rebrand' initiative emphasizes transparency and positioning the state as an investment destination.
History
Kogi State was created on 27 August 1991 from parts of the former Kwara and Benue States. Its capital, Lokoja, sits at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers and served as Nigeria's first colonial capital under Frederick Lugard. The state shares borders with nine other states, more than any other in Nigeria.
Natural Resources
Iron ore
Reserves feeding the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Nigeria's largest integrated steel complex.
Limestone
Extensive deposits feeding the Obajana Cement Factory, among Africa's largest cement plants.
Tourism
Centred on the historic Niger-Benue confluence at Lokoja and colonial-era landmarks tied to Nigeria's founding administration.
- Niger-Benue confluence, Lokoja
- Lord Lugard's House
- Mount Patti
Agriculture
A major agrarian state producing cassava, yam, rice, and oil palm, supporting a large share of rural livelihoods.
Cassava · Yam · Rice · Oil palm · Sesame
Investment
Home to the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Nigeria's flagship integrated steel plant, and the Obajana Cement Factory, one of Africa's largest cement plants.
Steel & solid minerals · Cement · Agriculture · River transport
Infrastructure
Education
Kogi State University · Federal University, Lokoja