BNSG, Rexzodeneh Group forge historic partnership for national food city project

By Dooyum Naadzenga

In a move that promises to reshape agriculture in the country, the Benue State Government has officially signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Rexzodeneh Group Limited (RGL) to launch the National Food City Complex in Otukpo, Benue State.

This partnership, finalized just a month after an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a historic milestone as the first formal PPP agreement in Benue’s 50-year history, underscoring the administration’s commitment to agricultural industrialization and food security.

During the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Honourable Commissioner Prof. Moses Ogbaji emphasized the project’s alignment with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s vision for rural development. “This agreement reflects a clear policy direction aimed at enhancing food sufficiency and generating jobs through innovative private investment,” Ogbaji stated, reinforcing the government’s resolve to enforce contractual obligations to ensure timely delivery.

READ ALSO: CNA makes case for use of technology in law making

The National Food City Project is set to transform Benue’s agricultural landscape by developing over 30,000 hectares of mechanized farmland. It will include state-of-the-art agro-processing facilities for staple crops like rice, cassava, maize, and soybeans. Additionally, renewable energy infrastructure with a capacity of 25 megawatts will be integrated into the site, powering operations and promoting sustainable practices.

Under the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) framework, the Benue State Government will provide essential land and infrastructure, while Rexzodeneh Group will be responsible for financing, constructing, and managing the complex for the next 25 years before transferring ownership back to the state. This collaborative model is poised to set a precedent for future investment initiatives within the state.

Mr. Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), highlighted the meticulous steps taken to ensure the project’s credibility. “Our rigorous due diligence process included technical appraisals and financial verifications to confirm funding capacity,” Kpenkaan explained, expressing confidence in the project’s potential to attract further investments and enhance the state’s economic landscape.

Engr. Femi Apata, Group Managing Director of Rexzodeneh Group, expressed gratitude to the government and stakeholders for their collaboration, promising to deliver significant advancements within 90 days. “With this platform, we aim to create meaningful impacts across agriculture, energy, and job creation in Benue,” he affirmed, signaling a strong commitment to the project’s success.

Local representatives have voiced their support for the initiative. Hon. Kennedy Angbo, Member of the Benue State House of Assembly, praised the decision to establish the project in Otukpo, calling it a transformative opportunity for the region. “This project guarantees food sufficiency, jobs, and renewed opportunities for our people,” Angbo stated, assuring maximum support from the community.

The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Hon. Omale Omale and Hon. Manasseh Alumo Orpin, who reaffirmed the project’s alignment with the broader development goals of the state. “The National Food City Complex stands as a bold affirmation of Governor Alia’s agenda to build a secure and prosperous Benue State,” they concluded, highlighting the project’s alignment with the administration’s vision for inclusive economic growth.

As the agreement was signed by both parties, a renewed commitment emerged from all stakeholders to ensure the project is delivered on time and in full. The collaboration heralds a new era for Benue’s agricultural sector, promising to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth across the region. For further information, media inquiries can be directed to the Benue Investment Promotion Agency.