Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sought European investment and humanitarian partnerships for Kogi State, showcasing local industries, traditional crafts and tourism attractions to ambassadors from four European countries.
The senator representing Kogi Central hosted the ambassadors of Belgium, Denmark, Italy and Spain during a tour of the state from May 16 to 18, 2026, aimed at introducing potential international partners to business opportunities beyond tourism.
However, the delegation’s inability to access the Ajaokuta Steel Company during the visit has renewed attention on the long-delayed industrial project and its potential contribution to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
In a report published on October 28, 2026, The Guardian Nigeria said the visit featured engagements with local artisans and communities, with discussions focusing on possible investment and humanitarian partnerships.
The delegation included Belgium’s ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt; Denmark’s ambassador, Jens Ole Bach Hansen; Italy’s ambassador, Roberto Mengoni; and Spain’s ambassador, Félix Costales Artieda.
The diplomats visited Lord Lugard’s Rest House on Mount Patti in Lokoja and the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers before proceeding to Kogi Central for cultural activities and interactions with residents.
Mengoni described the confluence as a symbol of national unity and expressed optimism about possible partnerships with the state.
The visitors also explored the historic hills of Ihima and visited Obeiba Hill, where they sampled traditional delicacies, including akara, apapa and akamu.
Beyond the cultural programme, the tour highlighted small-scale industries and traditional production methods that could offer opportunities for local enterprise development.
The ambassadors observed the extraction of shea butter and palm kernel oil, black soap production, pottery-making and traditional Ebira cloth weaving. The delegation also watched a traditional masquerade performance.
According to reports by The Guardian Nigeria and The Punch published on October 28 and October 26, respectively, the senator said the engagement was intended to demonstrate Kogi’s economic potential and encourage partnerships capable of supporting local businesses and improving livelihoods.
The proposed areas of benefit include employment and business opportunities for women, young people, artisans and tourism operators. However, no specific investment amount, signed agreement or confirmed funding commitment was announced in the reports.
A planned visit to the Ajaokuta Steel Company did not take place because the delegation was unable to obtain access to the facility.
In a report published on October 24, 2026, Premium Times said Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she had submitted a written request to the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, but the delegation was only able to view the complex from outside its gates.
The newspaper said it could not independently verify the circumstances surrounding the request or the decision on access. The senator did not identify the person responsible for denying entry.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed disappointment over the development and renewed her call for the revival of the steel plant, describing it as central to Nigeria’s industrial ambitions.
“Ajaokuta remains central to the industrial future we want for our people, and I will continue to advocate for its revival,” she said, according to The Punch report of October 26.
The plant has remained a longstanding concern in Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts. Its revival could support domestic manufacturing, create jobs and strengthen supply chains, although these benefits would depend on the facility becoming operational and developing viable production capacity.
For Kogi, the diplomatic tour offered an opportunity to connect its indigenous industries and cultural assets with potential international partners. Whether that exposure produces investment, market access or humanitarian programmes will depend on the outcome of subsequent engagements.
The visit also placed Ajaokuta back in focus, highlighting the gap between Nigeria’s industrial ambitions and the need to translate them into functioning infrastructure and productive economic activity.
