By Queen Kunde
Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed satisfaction with the readiness of three major industrial projects in Benue State, describing them as game-changers for the state’s economy ahead of their official commissioning.
The governor on Wednesday inspected the Bensono Concentrate Plant, Benva Juice Factory and the BIPC Motorcycle Assembly Plant in Makurdi, saying the facilities mark a new chapter in Benue’s journey towards industrial growth and economic transformation.
Accompanied by the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aondoaver Emberga, Governor Alia said the projects would help move the state beyond its traditional dependence on agriculture by creating industries that process local produce and generate jobs.
“It is exciting to hear and see that the companies are ready for commissioning,” the governor said. “This fourth year is our year of commissioning, and I am hopeful that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will graciously come and commission these projects for us.”
Governor Alia praised the management of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), led by its Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, for completing the projects within a short period.
He said the Bensono Concentrate Plant and Benva Juice Factory would tackle the long-standing problem of post-harvest losses suffered by fruit farmers across the state.
According to him, the factories will provide a ready market for oranges, mangoes and other fruits grown by local farmers, improve their incomes and boost economic activities throughout the agricultural value chain.
“Our farmers have suffered greatly over the years,” he said. “These factories will change that narrative by ensuring that the value of what they produce remains in Benue.”
The governor urged farmers to expand production, assuring them that the state government was committed to creating sustainable markets for their produce.
During the tour, Governor Alia also inspected 525 motorcycles assembled through a partnership between the Benue State Government and a Chinese company. The partnership was initiated during the governor’s investment trip to China in 2024.
Earlier, BIPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, said the agro-processing factories were established to add value to Benue’s abundant agricultural produce and reduce the huge losses farmers experience after harvest.
“We want to add value to what our farmers produce and drastically reduce post-harvest losses,” Asemakaha said. “Economic growth must be inclusive, and these projects are designed to directly benefit farmers.”
He disclosed that both factories had been fully completed and were ready to begin operations immediately after commissioning.
“Our factories are ready. We are only awaiting official commissioning. Once that is done, full production will commence,” he said.
Asemakaha lamented that for decades Benue farmers had supplied raw agricultural products that were processed elsewhere, creating jobs and wealth outside the state.
He revealed that the orange concentrate plant would serve both local and international markets, adding that Nigeria spent about ?68 billion importing fruit concentrates in 2025 despite having abundant raw materials.
“We have the oranges here in Benue. There is no reason we should continue importing what we can produce locally,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the facilities would position Benue as a leading producer of fruit concentrates and processed beverages while creating thousands of jobs for residents.
The projects are part of Governor Alia’s industrialisation agenda aimed at boosting local production, creating employment, increasing internally generated revenue and unlocking Benue’s vast agricultural potential.