FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Anne Adulugba, has called on stakeholders to explore the mining and processing of kaolin, a solid mineral found in the state, to boost export promotion, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
Mrs Adulugba made the call on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026, during a meeting of the Benue State Committee on Export Promotion (SCEP), held at the conference hall of the State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, State Secretariat, Makurdi.
She noted that Benue State has a comparative advantage in kaolin, with deposits in parts of Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Vandeikya and Logo Local Government Areas, making the mineral a promising commodity for export development.
According to her, kaolin mining offers an accessible business opportunity because it does not require huge capital investments or sophisticated machinery to commence operations. She added that processing and packaging the mineral for export are relatively straightforward, making it a viable option for prospective investors and local entrepreneurs.
Mrs Adulugba explained that the NEPC would provide stakeholders with the necessary information and capacity-building support on export documentation, market requirements and the procedures for formal exportation of kaolin.
She further disclosed that farmers and other eligible business operators who require agricultural inputs or financial support for processing their produce could be linked with relevant development finance institutions, including the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture, and Maxim bank.
The NEPC coordinator commended the Benue State Ministry of Commerce and Industry for its participation in the meeting and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to creating public awareness about the export potential of kaolin.
She said the council would extend its awareness campaign to people across the state to encourage their participation in export-oriented businesses and ensure that the initiative reaches a wider audience.
Mrs Adulugba also pledged to communicate the development to the NEPC headquarters in Abuja to facilitate further support for the initiative.
She expressed appreciation to all participants, particularly Engineer Zakari, who represented Dr Edoo Mongol, for introducing the idea of promoting kaolin as a solid mineral for mining and export development.
She urged members of the sub-committee to sustain regular meetings to deliberate on issues affecting export promotion and develop strategies for achieving the committee’s objectives.
In his remarks, Professor Simon Irtwange called on the Benue State Government, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to establish a dry port in Makurdi, preferably in the North Bank area, to facilitate the movement of export commodities and ease export operations.
Professor Irtwange commended the NEPC for its sustained efforts and support for farmers in the state, particularly in promoting agricultural exports and creating opportunities for local producers to access international markets.
BRIDGET TARKER
For: Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
