Governor Alia Opens Benue To The World

Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, is poised to host a ground-breaking economic event that seeks to redefine the investment landscape in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. From May 7th to 10th, 2025, the Benue International Investment and Economic Summit (BIIES) will bring together global investors, captains of industry, diplomatic missions, entrepreneurs, development partners, and top-tier policy-makers in a bold attempt to unlock the vast potential of Benue State.

With the theme, “Harnessing Investment for Sustainable Economic Growth in Benue State”, BIIES 2025 is more than a summit; it is a strategic awakening — a mission rooted in the governor’s bold vision to reposition Benue for economic prosperity, sustainable development, and global relevance.

“Benue is open for business. We are not only inviting the world to see our land of possibilities — we are ready for partnerships that drive mutual value and prosperity,”

– Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State.

Why Now? Why Benue?

Benue is blessed — not just with fertile land, rich mineral resources, and a growing population, but also with a fresh leadership commitment to unlocking its economic future. Strategically located in Nigeria’s North-Central region and covering a landmass of 33,955 km², the state is home to over 7 million people, mostly youths, with a population growth rate of 3.23%. Its geographical and geological features make it suitable for agriculture, solid minerals, energy, and real estate development.

Benue has long been dubbed the “Food Basket of the Nation,” but for Governor Alia, that identity must evolve. He is driving a new economic configuration, targeting investments across Agriculture, Technology, Infrastructure, Real Estate, ICT, Aviation, Solid Minerals, Renewable Energy, and Tourism.

“We deliberately pursue policies and partnerships that transform our resources into results. The Benue International Investment Summit is a call for investors, especially our Diaspora brothers and sisters, to join hands in building a new Benue.”
– Gov. Alia.

A Summit Inspired by Vision and Strategy
BIIES draws inspiration from the SACHIIP Pillars of the Alia-led administration — Security, Agriculture, Commerce, Human Capital, Infrastructure, ICT, and Governance. These pillars form the blueprint of the Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue, with the summit positioned as a catalytic instrument for delivering real results.

A rich lineup of panel discussions, keynote speeches, bilateral business meetings, sector-specific exhibitions, investment showcases, and site tours has been carefully designed. Site visits and reconnaissance missions will take place before and during the summit, including the anticipated ground-breaking for Coal-Bed Methane (CBM) exploration.
Expected guests include:
• Dr. Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary, NIPC
• Eric Liu, CEO, Sinoki Systems Worldwide
• Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, CBN
• Prof. Attahiru Jega, Presidential Adviser on Livestock
• Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation Aerospace Development
• Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources
• Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim, Former Chair, Nigeria Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP)
• Dr. Mathew Ayepoju, Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency … and many more.
Benue’s Rich Investment Menu
Benue’s agricultural potential remains unmatched. The soil is so fertile that locals often say: “Anything you grow in Benue survives and thrives.” Beyond agriculture, the state holds commercial quantities of limestone, barite, kaolin, coal, gold, granite, and iron ore. With its vast water bodies, river ports, and open lands, it is ideal for energy development, agro-processing industries, and tourism infrastructure.
Benue is not just offering investment locations — it is offering opportunities to co-create the future. With an investment-ready workforce and increasing urbanization, the state provides a soft landing for global investors.
A Governor on a Mission to Globalize Benue
Governor Alia has been on a silent but determined journey — engaging international investors, strengthening bilateral relations, opening dialogues with development finance institutions, and calling on the Benue Diaspora to reconnect, reinvest, and help rebuild.
“Our people abroad must not be spectators in Benue’s growth story. They must be investors, mentors, and active collaborators. BIIES is their opportunity to reconnect with home, build with pride, and grow with confidence.” – Gov. Alia.

A Summit of Action, Not Just Talk
One key outcome of BIIES 2025 is expected to be a wave of statements of commitment, partnership MoUs, and project groundbreakings. The Summit seeks to foster real-time investment dialogues between public institutions and private enterprises, both local and foreign.

Registration, participation details, and partnership opportunities are now open via the official summit website:
www.benueinternationalsummit.com

Welcome to the Open Gates of Possibilities!
From 7th – 10th May 2025, the future of Benue will be imagined, negotiated, and co-built in Makurdi. Investors, entrepreneurs, and change agents are invited to be part of this transformation.to 10th May 2025, the future of Benue will be imagined, negotiated, and co-built in Makurdi. Investors, entrepreneurs, and change agents are invited to participate in Benue State is rising — in hope, in promise, in prosperity.

Benue State: Food Basket of the Nation. For further inquiries, contact:

BIIES Secretariat, NNAM Hotels, Makurdi +2348036659228 Email: [email protected], [email protected]