Benue launches national food city, promises over 20,000 new jobs
By Dooyum Naadzenga
The Benue State Government, in partnership with Rexzodeneh Group Limited (RGL) is set to establish a National Food City Complex in Otukpo.
The project is expected to create over 20,000 jobs, aligning with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s vision for comprehensive development throughout the state.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Government House in Makurdi yesterday represents a significant milestone in the administration’s goal to industrialize agriculture through strategic partnerships.
A statement by the Benue Investment Promotion Agency, BENIPA and made available to the Daily Times says, the project will utilize a Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) framework, with the state providing essential land and infrastructure, while RGL will finance, construct, and manage the facility for 25 years before transferring ownership back to the state.
READ ALSO: Sanwo- Olu, S/ West Govs mourn Olunloyo, commiserate with Makinde
Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), emphasized the transformative impact of the project. He stated that it will generate 15,000 direct jobs in primary production and an additional 5,000 in processing and logistics, benefiting over 60,000 farmers across 40,000 hectares of cultivated land.
Engr. Femi Apata, Group Managing Director of RGL, announced that 30,000 hectares of land have already been secured in Otukpo, with plans for an additional 30,000 hectares in Vandeikya as part of the second phase. “We are coordinating with the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, who will join Governor Alia for the groundbreaking ceremony within the next 60 days,” he confirmed.
The Benue State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Moses Ogbaji, reiterated the state government’s commitment to timely execution of the project, noting that the initiative aligns perfectly with Governor Alia’s goals of industrialization, food security, and economic empowerment. “Benue has abundant skilled and unskilled labor, fertile land, and a climate suitable for year-round agricultural activity,” he added.
The event attracted key stakeholders and senior government officials, all expressing strong support for the National Food City Complex. Hon. Omale Omale, Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy, and Transport, stated that the project would enhance power supply and improve transportation logistics for agricultural goods. He highlighted that the Benue State Electricity Act is being developed to ensure effective power distribution to the complex.
Dr. Peter Chieshe, Director-General of the Benue Agro-Industrial Processing and Economic Transformation Programme (BNAGRO), praised the initiative’s value-addition component for enhancing Benue’s status as the “Food Basket of the Nation.” He emphasized the project’s potential to elevate the state’s agricultural profile.
The Right Honourable Kennedy Angbo, representing Otukpo Constituency in the Benue State Assembly, hailed the project as a clear indication of Governor Alia’s commitment to delivering on his mandate. “This initiative will bring unprecedented development to Otukpo and the entire Zone C,” he remarked.
Mr. Leonard Viashima, Director General of the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, described the initiative as a cornerstone for a greater Benue built on transformational investments. He expressed optimism about the project’s capacity to drive economic growth and improve living standards.
The pilot phase of the National Food City Complex will commence in Otukpo, with a Technical Working Group beginning transaction structuring immediately. The groundbreaking ceremony, anticipated within 60 days, will mark the start of one of the most ambitious agro-industrial investments in the state’s history.
This bold initiative underscores Governor Alia’s agenda to create a secure, prosperous, and economically inclusive Benue State, paving the way for a sustainable agricultural future.
