By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), applauding its role in advancing Governor Hyacinth Alia’s industrialisation drive and pledging stronger legislative support to accelerate economic growth in the state.

The endorsement came after a facility tour by lawmakers, led by Majority Leader, Thomas Dugeri, who inspected major BIPC projects including Benfruits, Benval, the Eco-City Estate, and the Food Basket Brewery.

Addressing journalists after the visit, Dugeri described BIPC’s performance as a clear demonstration of the state’s shift towards industrial development.

“What we have seen today is a bold step in the right direction. BIPC is not just aligning with government policy; it is actively transforming the economic outlook of the state,” he said.

“We will continue to support them through legislation and ensure they get the funding needed to expand these initiatives,” he added.

Dugeri emphasised that the Assembly would collaborate with the company on key recovery efforts involving state-owned assets such as Benue Hotel and Sheraton Hotel, as well as the revitalisation of the JS Tarka Foundation.

Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Mathew Damkor, also expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, particularly at the Eco-City Estate.

“The infrastructure and planning we saw at the Eco-City Estate are impressive. This is the kind of development that can attract investment and create jobs. We urge the management to sustain this tempo,” Damkor stated.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, presented a comprehensive overview of the company’s operations, highlighting both achievements and areas requiring urgent government backing.

He disclosed that BIPC had diversified into several sectors, including bread production, sachet water packaging, nail manufacturing, printing services, and electric taxi operations, all aimed at stimulating economic activities across the state.

“With government support, we have completed major projects like the brewery, Benva Juice factory, and the revival of Benfruits. These will be commissioned next month and are expected to significantly boost local production,” Asemakaha said.

He stressed that the administration’s focus on value addition was central to its economic vision.

He pointed out that “Agriculture alone is not enough. What we are doing is building industries around our raw materials to create a value chain that benefits everyone, from farmers to small business owners,” he said.

According to him, the soon-to-be-commissioned factories are projected to create over 1,500 direct jobs, with even more opportunities expected through supply chains and related markets.

Asemakaha further called on lawmakers to expedite action on a proposed Benue Commodity Exchange, noting that it would help regulate agricultural markets, stabilise prices, and protect farmers from exploitation.

On underperforming government assets, he revealed that BIPC would soon take decisive action against defaulting lessees.
“We will issue a 90-day ultimatum to operators of facilities like Benue Hotel. If they fail to utilise these assets effectively, their leases will be revoked,” he warned.

“These properties were poorly handled in the past and have the capacity to employ over 400 youths if properly managed,” he noted.

He also assured the Assembly that steps were being taken to institutionalise sustainability through a clear operational framework and succession plan.

In her remarks, the Head of Business Development and Strategy at BIPC, Mrs. Theresa Abeda, thanked the lawmakers for the visit, describing it as a boost to the company’s efforts.

“We appreciate the Assembly’s support and remain committed to working together to achieve lasting economic development for Benue state,” she said.