FIC Report (Benue State) – Benue State has been designated by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) as a key hub for the production of sesame seed and soya bean for export, placing the state at the heart of Nigeria’s drive for non-oil export diversification.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and Chairman, State Export Promotion Committee, Mr. Cephas Hough, during a committee meeting held on Monday, 30th June 2025, at the State Secretariat, Makurdi.
Mr. Hough explained that the designation followed high-level deliberations at the NEPC headquarters in Abuja, aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s non-oil export sector as part of a broader strategy for sustainable economic development. He emphasized that the Benue Export Promotion Committee will work in synergy with the Ministries of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Agriculture, as well as relevant MDAs and development partners to mobilize farmers, processors, cooperatives, and exporters towards the production of export-quality sesame and soya bean.
He urged local entrepreneurs and agribusiness stakeholders to seize the growing opportunities in export trade, stressing that with adherence to quality standards and value addition, Benue can emerge as a major export hub for agricultural produce.
Mr. Hough also appreciated Governor Hyacinth Alia for making provisions under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) in the 2025 budget, a move he said is already attracting investments and improving the state’s ease of doing business.
In his remarks, the NEPC State Coordinator, Mr. Friday Ogiri, lamented Benue’s low representation on the national export map and called for increased support for exporters, the formation of value-chain clusters, and deeper efforts towards economic diversification.
Also speaking, Mr. Ben Nyakuma of NEXIM Bank encouraged business owners in the state to take advantage of available financial facilities and to approach banks for support under well-defined and transparent conditions.
Representing the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Mathew Aboh, the Director of Administration and Supply, Mr. Isaac Akende, called on NEPC to intensify grassroots sensitization campaigns. He noted that raising awareness on the economic potential of sesame and soya bean production will not only boost local income but significantly contribute to state and national economic growth. Mr. Akende further urged financial institutions such as NEXIM Bank and the Bank of Industry to complement this effort by creating wider awareness of their loan facilities at the grassroots level. According to him, this will enable more entrepreneurs and small business owners across Benue State to access available funding opportunities and actively participate in the export value chain.
Signed
Bridget Udoo Tarker
For Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
