By Bavoriat Clara
In a society where visionary projects are more than blueprints but living proof of progress, Benue State is quietly rewriting its economic story creating jobs, building wealth, and driving a wave of growth that speaks louder than words.
Benue State is driving innovative and impactful initiatives that are reshaping the socio-economic landscape of the state. These projects, designed with sustainability and inclusivity at their core, are setting a new benchmark for development in Nigeria.
Benue State is fast becoming one of the most talked-about industrial transformations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, as it has recorded another major breakthrough in its Food Basket Brewery project with the arrival of a second shipment of brewing equipment from the People’s Republic of China.
The new consignment, comprising 10 containers, was recently received in the state, adding to the first batch of 16 containers delivered on July 29, 2025. With a total of 26 out of the expected 50 containers now on site, the project has moved closer to its installation phase, setting the stage for what stakeholders describe as a game-changing addition to Benue’s economic landscape.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi, the Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha-CFA, described the delivery as proof that the project is on schedule and that the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is committed to tangible, measurable growth.
“This is not just about building a brewery it is about building a stronger Benue,” Dr. Asemakaha said. “We are creating jobs, empowering farmers, stimulating rural economies, and positioning Benue to compete with the largest beverage producers in Nigeria.”
The GMD explained that the decision to procure equipment from China was driven by the need for durable, high-performance technology capable of supporting large-scale operations. “We deliberately sought proven systems that can guarantee efficiency, quality, and competitive output,” he noted.
According to him, the Food Basket Brewery aligns perfectly with Governor Alia’s broader vision of economic renewal. Citing the governor’s recent remarks at the matriculation of over 9,000 students at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Dr. Asemakaha said: “The question is always where will these graduates find work? This project is one of the answers. It will absorb skilled manpower, strengthen our agricultural value chains, and keep wealth circulating within the state.”
Projections from BIPC indicate that the brewery will directly employ over 1,500 people and create more than 1,000 indirect jobs across agriculture, logistics, packaging, and marketing. It is also expected to boost Benue’s internally generated revenue by about ₦400 million monthly, funds that can be reinvested into infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Governor Alia has stressed that the brewery represents a deliberate shift from exporting raw produce to processing and branding products locally. “For too long, we have sent our produce out and bought back the finished goods at higher prices. That era must end. We will process here, add value here, and keep the wealth in Benue,” he stated.
The brewery’s production will be heavily reliant on locally sourced raw materials, including sorghum, maize, rice, and fruits, ensuring steady demand for farmers while reducing post-harvest losses. Analysts believe this approach will spark rural development, expand farm production, and draw complementary industries such as transport and packaging into the state.
The brewery complex is now about 80% complete, with major facilities like the production hall, warehouse, administrative block, power house, and clinic already in place. Finishing touches, including flooring, fittings, and equipment housing, are underway. Installation will commence once the remaining shipments arrive, with Chinese engineers expected to supervise the process.
When operational, the brewery will produce up to 10,000 crates per day, capturing a market estimated at over ₦1 billion monthly much of which currently flows to products manufactured outside Benue. By reclaiming this market share, the project could redefine the state’s role in Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector, much like the era of Governor Aper Aku when state-backed enterprises drove economic vibrancy.
With further shipments on the way and installation scheduled to begin soon, Benue is steadily turning an idea into an economic engine one crate, one container, and one job at a time.
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