Benue Unveils Economic Transformation Plan, Targets Agro-Industrial Growth

News in Brief:

— Benue State has launched a long-term economic transformation strategy focused on agriculture, agro-industrialisation, infrastructure, energy, and investment to drive sustainable growth.

— The state also inaugurated an economic council to help attract private investment, create jobs, and transform it into an agro-industrial hub.

Benue State Government has launched an ambitious economic transformation strategy centred on agriculture, agro-industrialisation, infrastructure, energy, investment, and human capital development, as it seeks to reposition the state as one of Nigeria's leading investment destinations.

Governor Hyacinth Alia inaugurated the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council (BSEPAC) to provide independent, evidence-based advice on policies that will accelerate economic growth, improve governance, and attract private-sector investment.

Among those appointed to the council is renowned economic strategist and Nextier Founding Partner, Patrick O. Okigbo III, who also serves on Nigeria's Presidential Economic Coordination Council.

According to the state government, the council will develop a one-year acceleration plan, a five-year economic transformation strategy, and a 30-year Benue Advancement Plan to build a resilient economy driven by agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, technology, and industrial development.

Agriculture at the Centre of Industrialisation

Although widely known as Nigeria's "Food Basket," Benue hopes to move beyond primary agricultural production by promoting value addition and agro-processing.

Speaking on his appointment, Okigbo said Benue's greatest opportunity lies in transforming its abundant agricultural resources into an industrial base capable of driving long-term prosperity.

He recalled his earlier involvement in the transformation of a fruit concentrate plant in Makurdi, noting that the experience convinced him the state could become one of Africa's leading centres for agro-industrial production.

The advisory council will recommend policies to improve the investment climate, strengthen agricultural value chains, develop the state's electricity market, expand infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships, and improve internally generated revenue.

It will also focus on youth employment, entrepreneurship, skills development, and strengthening fiscal sustainability.

Economic Vision Faces Security Test

The economic blueprint comes as Benue continues to grapple with insecurity that has disrupted farming activities across several communities.

In recent months, attacks in parts of Guma, Gwer West, and other farming areas have forced thousands of farmers to abandon their lands during critical planting periods, raising concerns over food production and rural livelihoods.

Despite these challenges, the Alia administration has continued to pursue agricultural reforms designed to strengthen the state's economy. In July, the government announced plans to establish grain reserve facilities across all 23 local government areas to reduce post-harvest losses, stabilise food prices, and improve food security.

The state has also revived the Benfruits Juice Company in Makurdi to process locally grown fruits into juice and concentrate, creating new markets for farmers while reducing post-harvest waste.

By combining investments in agro-processing, infrastructure, and private-sector participation with long-term economic planning, the Benue Government hopes to transform its agricultural advantage into sustainable industrial growth. However, analysts note that achieving these ambitions will also depend on improving security across farming communities, enabling farmers to return safely to their fields and investors to operate with confidence.