FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State Government has taken another significant step towards transforming the agricultural sector with the signing of a Business-to-Business (B-B) Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Benue State Agricultural Development Company Limited (BSADC) and Benue-AgriPro Limited.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, 15th July, 2026, at the Government House, Makurdi, is expected to attract about ₦25 billion in investments into commercial soybean production, irrigation farming, integrated agriculture, out-grower schemes, value-chain development, research and vocational training.
Representing Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia at the event, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, stated that the administration remains committed to due process, transparency and strict adherence to legal procedures in all investment engagements.
He described agriculture as the backbone of Benue State’s economy, noting that the partnership aligns with the government’s determination to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen the state’s position as the nation’s food basket.
Dr. Ode explained that the agreement would open new opportunities for strategic investments in agriculture and value addition. He urged Benue-AgriPro to position itself as a major supplier of maize, soybean, sesame and groundnuts to the revitalised Taraku Mills, valued at over ₦50 billion, where machinery is already undergoing dry-run operations.
He assured the investors that the Alia administration is committed to performance-driven agreements and would closely monitor implementation to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BSADC, Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Akule, disclosed that the partnership, structured under the state’s Public-Private Indigenous Partnership (PPIP) framework, would be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) following extensive technical, financial and legal due diligence.
According to him, the project will commence at Mbatiev in Buruku Local Government Area and is expected to position Benue not only as Nigeria’s food basket but also as a gateway to Africa’s food future.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Benue-AgriPro Limited, Ahmed Saalim Abubakar, described the agreement as a major milestone in advancing agricultural development in the state. He pledged the company’s commitment to implementing the project with integrity, professionalism and transparency.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, noted that the project site is government-owned land under the ministry. He assured the investors of full institutional support, stressing that the partnership would help address post-harvest losses and expand value addition in the state’s agricultural sector.
Bridget Udoo Tarker
For: Head of Centre, FIC Makurdi
