President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the 40,000 metric tons per day concentrate plant of Bensono Fruits Processing Company Limited at the Industrial Layout, Makurdi, Benue State.
This landmark investment marks a significant milestone in Benue State’s industrialization and agricultural value chain.
Represented at the ceremony by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu described the project as a timely investment that aligns with the nation’s commitment to transforming agriculture through processing and industrial development.
The President said the plant’s 40,000-metric-ton daily processing capacity would create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic activities, boost foreign exchange earnings, and significantly reduce dependence on imported fruit concentrate.
He commended the Benue State Government and the management of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) for driving the transformation of the state’s economy through industrialization. He urged the people of the state to continue supporting Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia in his quest to reposition Benue as Nigeria’s industrial hub.
Speaking at the event, Governor Hyacinth Alia said the concentrate plant would play a critical role in reducing post-harvest losses that have affected farmers for decades while providing a ready market for fruits produced across the state.
He noted that products from the factory would serve both the domestic and international markets, adding that the project was one of several industries completed under his administration within the last three years.
Governor Alia listed the concentrate plant, fruit juice factory and Food Basket Brewery among the industrial projects already delivered, stressing that they would strengthen the state’s economy, improve the livelihoods of orchard farmers and create employment opportunities for Benue youths.
The Governor commended the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, alongside the Board and staff of the company for their dedication in bringing the project to completion. He assured the people of the state that more developmental projects were on the way.
Earlier, BIPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, said the plant would drastically reduce post-harvest fruit waste while supplying the local market and producing concentrate for export.
He explained that Nigeria spent about $68 billion on imported fruit concentrate last year, expressing confidence that the new factory would significantly reduce the country’s import dependence. He described the facility as one of the largest and most modern concentrate plants in West Africa, with a processing capacity of 40,000 metric tons per day.
Dr. Asemakaha further disclosed that while the concentrate would be used for juice production, the by-products would be converted into organic fertilizer, ensuring zero waste. He thanked Governor Alia for reviving a project that had suffered over 18 years of neglect.
The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by several dignitaries, including former Benue State Governor, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, Elder Stateman, Chief Barnabas Gemade, BIPC Board Chairman Chief Lady Elizabeth Shuluwa, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Aondoaver Emberga, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, investors and other stakeholders.
