Kogi state is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, it was created on the 27th of August 1991 and the capital city of the state is called Lokoja. Lokoja is an ancient city and it was the first administrative headquarters of Nigeria during the colonial era. Kogi state is nicknamed ‘The Confluence State’ simply because it is a state where both River Niger and River Benue meet.
The major ethnic groups in Kogi state are Igala , Ebira and Okun. Kogi state shares borders with The Federal capital Territory of Nigeria, Nasarawa state, Benue state, Enugu state , Anambra state, Edo state, Ondo state, Ekiti State, Kwara state and Niger state. As a matter of fact, it is the only state among the 36 states in Nigeria that share border with ten other states of Nigeria.
Ajaokuta in Kogi state has the largest deposits of Iron in West Africa and it is home to Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited – the largest Iron and Steel Industry in West Africa. The State is also home to the largest cement factory in Africa- Dangote’s Obajana Cement factory. Some other mineral resources that are found in the state are; coal, limestone, petroleum and tin.
Agriculture is one of the mainstays of people who live in rural areas in Kogi state; they engage in farming and fishing. Kogi state is notable for the cultivation of crops such as; cassava, yam, coffee, cocoa, cashew, maize, groundnut, melon and rice. Tourism is another source of income for the government of Kogi state. Notable places where tourists visit are Lord Lugard’s House in Lokoja, the point where River Niger and River Benue meet, and Ogidi.
If you are an investor looking to start a business in Kogi state, then you should consider this top ten business opportunities;
10 Small Business Investment Opportunities in Kogi State
1. Mechanized Farming
Kogi state is notable for the cultivation of cassava, yam, coffee, cocoa, cashew, maize, groundnut, melon and rice and these crops are cultivated manually. If you are interested in farming, then you should consider starting your own mechanized farming in Kogi state. The truth is that if you position your farm in Kogi state, you will have enough market for your farm produce because people from neighboring states find it convenient and cheaper to transport their goods from Kogi state to their states because Kogi state shares boundaries with ten states in Nigeria.
2. Cement Merchant
Obajana in Kogi state is home to the largest cement factory in West Africa; the Obajana Cement Factory is owned by African’s richest man Aliko Dangote. Although cement merchant travels from far and wide to purchase cements, but if you live in Kogi state, you will have some sort of advantage when you start your own cement business. Proximity to the source of your goods gives less stress to business owners. So, if you are looking for a business to do in Kogi state, you can become a major distributor of cement for Obajana cement factory in Kogi state.
3. Iron and Steel Merchant
Another cool way to make cash in Kogi state is to become an Iron and Steel Merchant in Kogi state. Ajaokuta in Kogi state is home to the largest Iron and Steel industry in West Africa hence it is easier to become an Iron and Steel merchant in Kogi state. Just ensure that you explore market within Nigeria and other African countries that would need you to supply them iron and steel.
4. Travels and Tourism Company
Although most tourists that visit Kogi state, come in through Abuja and they prefer to lodge in Abuja, but that doesn’t stop a business man or woman that is interested in the tourism business to establish his / her business in Kogi state. You can setup this type of business in Lokoja and then partner with other big travels and tours companies in Nigeria.
5. Food Processing and Packaging Company
Food processing and packaging business is yet another business an investor can setup in Kogi state. Although this type of business requires huge capital, but that does not rule out the fact that it is indeed a profitable venture to go into. So, if you are looking for a business to start in Kogi state, then you can consider starting your own food processing and packaging company. Be sure that you conduct your feasibility studies before you setup the company.
6. Shopping Mall
Lokoja the state capital is one ideal place an investor can build a shopping mall. The truth is that people now find it convenient to shop in shopping malls. Hence, if you have the financial capacity to build a shopping mall, then you should look towards building it in Lokoja.
7. Outdoor Catering Service
Outdoor catering service is another business that is viable and profitable to start in Kogi state. If you are a caterer and are looking for a location to setup your catering business, then you should consider any of the major towns in Kogi state. You can also provide corporate catering services to corporate organizations in Kogi state.
8. Party Rental Business
Party rental business is one of the easy to setup businesses that an entrepreneur can start in Kogi state. Be sure that you find out the things that people rent the most and then purchase enough quantities.
9. Music Recording Studio
Music is one of the common means of becoming a celebrity overnight and loads of youths are striving to become musicians. One of the businesses you can setup in Kogi state that is profitable is opening your own music and recording studio in Lokoja or any of the major towns like; Kabba, Idah, and Okene.
10. Electronics Shop
The need for electronics in homes makes this business viable and profitable in any city in Nigeria. You can consider opening your own electronics shop in Kogi state and you will sure attract loads of clients if your shop is well positioned.
There you have it; the top ten business opportunities in Kogi state.