Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue says the $250 million (₦330.4 billion) National Food City Complex will transform the state into an agro-industrial economy.

Mr Alia stated this on Monday in Makurdi during the official signing ceremony for the project with Rexzodeneh Group Ltd.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Alia said the project marked a significant milestone in translating Benue’s agricultural resources into wealth, jobs and prosperity.

He said Benue must move beyond producing agricultural commodities by processing produce, adding value, creating jobs and retaining more wealth locally.

“With a planned footprint of 30,000 hectares, the project is designed to integrate agricultural production with processing, storage, logistics, energy and markets,” he said.

Mr Alia said the project would also integrate about 40,000 smallholder farmers and create up to 20,000 permanent direct jobs.

He said the government would continue creating an enabling environment, while private capital, technology and expertise would drive economic expansion.

Mr Alia welcomed Rexzodeneh Group Ltd, the project investor, to Benue and assured it of the government’s facilitation and institutional support.

He, however, charged the investor to ensure delivery, transparency and accountability, saying commitments made must translate into tangible economic opportunities.

Mr Alia described Benue’s agricultural strength as not only a state advantage but also a national asset.

“We must not remain merely suppliers of raw materials. We must become a centre of production, processing and value creation,” he said.

He said the project’s success would be measured through stronger farmer markets, youth employment, industrial growth and increased value retention.

“A food basket must feed industries. Industries must create jobs. Jobs must create incomes. And incomes must create prosperity,” Mr Alia said.

He said the initiative represented a shift “from the Food Basket to an agro-industrial economy; from potential to productivity, and from productivity to prosperity.”

Earlier, Johnpaul Kpenkaa, Executive Secretary, Benue State Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), said the project would transform Benue into a major agro-industrial hub.

Mr Kpenkaa said BENIPA coordinated 13 relevant MDAs through technical reviews, investor engagements and institutional processes before the signing.

Ramsey Ibrahim, Project Manager of Rexzodeneh Group Ltd., described the initiative as a new agricultural revolution in Benue and Africa.

Mr Ibrahim said the project would modernise agricultural production methods while creating opportunities that encourage young people to remain in rural communities.

“Today, the city is coming back to the village to create the opportunity,” he said.

He said international investors, including South Korean and Turkish technology partners, would participate, particularly in modern agricultural technology and drone-based farming.

Mr Ibrahim expressed optimism that government and stakeholder support would ensure the project’s success and deliver lasting benefits to Benue residents.

He said the project would give Benue’s children greater hope, security and peace through sustainable economic opportunities. 

(NAN)