By Peter Duru, Makurdi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday commissioned the 40,000-metric-tonne-per-day fruit concentrate plant of Bensono Fruits Processing Company Limited in Makurdi, describing the project as a major boost to Nigeria’s agricultural industrialization and economic development.

The President, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said “the investment aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting value addition in agriculture through processing and industrial expansion.”

He noted that the plant’s processing capacity would generate thousands of jobs, stimulate economic activities, increase foreign exchange earnings and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fruit concentrate.

President Tinubu commended the Benue State Government and the management of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) for driving industrial growth in the state.

Governor Hyacinth Alia described the facility as” a game-changer for the state’s agricultural sector,” saying “it would significantly reduce post-harvest losses while providing a reliable market for fruits produced by farmers across Benue.”

According to the governor, the plant will serve both domestic and international markets and forms part of several industrial projects completed by his administration over the past three years.

He listed the fruit concentrate plant, the fruit juice factory and the Food Basket Brewery as key investments aimed at strengthening the state’s economy, creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

Governor Alia praised the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, the company’s board and staff for their commitment to delivering the project. He assured the people of Benue that his administration would continue to pursue projects that promote economic growth and sustainable development.

Earlier, Dr. Asemakaha said the facility would drastically reduce post-harvest fruit waste by processing locally sourced fruits into concentrate for both local consumption and export.

He added that the factory, described as one of the largest and most modern fruit concentrate plants in West Africa, “will also convert production by-products into organic fertilizer, ensuring a zero-waste operation.”

Dr. Asemakaha further commended Governor Alia for reviving the project after more than 18 years of abandonment, describing the commissioning as a significant milestone in Benue’s industrial transformation.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including former Benue State Governor Senator Gabriel Suswam, elder statesman Chief Barnabas Gemade, BIPC Board Chairman Chief Lady Elizabeth Shuluwa, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Emberga, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, investors and other stakeholders.