The 2025 Benue International Investment and Economic Summit, held from May 8 to 10 in Makurdi, has been hailed as a landmark event that marks a new chapter in the economic repositioning of Benue State. The summit attracted global investors, top policymakers, development partners, and industry leaders, showcasing Benue as a frontier destination for agro-industrial and infrastructure investment in Nigeria.
The summit was officially declared open by the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Barr. Sam Ode. In his address, Governor Alia outlined a bold and visionary roadmap for unlocking the state’s economic potential through targeted investments in agriculture, renewable energy, space technology, aviation, and digital infrastructure.
Indonesian Delegation Kicks Off Pre-Summit Breakthrough
A significant highlight of the summit occurred prior to its official opening. On May 6, a high-powered investment delegation from Indonesia arrived in Makurdi for a series of strategic meetings with the Benue State Government and stakeholders in the cassava value chain. The delegation was received by Sir Alex Addingi, Special Adviser to the Governor on International Investments and Convener of the Summit.
The Indonesian team visited the Benue State Cassava Palm Nursery and later engaged in technical discussions with cassava farmers and processors across the state. On May 7, the dialogue culminated in a major breakthrough as the investors pledged a $6.5 million investment in cassava cultivation, starch and flour processing, and biogas energy generation. This partnership was formalized with the signing of a non-committal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 8, establishing a foundation for long-term agro-industrial collaboration.
Innovation, Finance, and Agricultural Mapping Dominate Day One
Day One of the summit featured a keynote address by Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), who emphasized the role of space technology in agricultural mapping, climate monitoring, geospatial intelligence, and digital development. He invited the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) to collaborate with NASRDA on frontier technology integration.
The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Mohammad Sani Abdullahi, also presented on Nigeria’s ongoing monetary reforms. He underscored macroeconomic stability, improved foreign exchange transparency, and access to finance for agribusiness and export-oriented sectors as critical to investor confidence and economic growth.
Afternoon sessions featured robust discussions on youth enterprise, knowledge economy expansion, and livestock development. A notable panel led by Prof. Attahiru Jega, Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative, spotlighted Benue’s edge in piggery, pork processing, and biogas production from animal waste. Other sessions focused on local enterprise growth, digital banking, and international cooperation.
Focus on Aviation and Investment Climate on Day Two
Day Two centered on aviation development and business environment reforms. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo (SAN), advocated for the revival of Makurdi Airport as a commercial and cargo hub for North Central Nigeria. He emphasized the potential for training programs, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and partnerships with Southeast Asian aviation stakeholders.
A major segment on the Ease of Doing Business featured calls for the activation of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA) as a one-stop-shop for investors. Panelists addressed challenges such as taxation, bureaucracy, and licensing, and proposed reforms to streamline the investment process.
Meanwhile, the Investment and Innovation Exhibition showcased products and solutions from leading firms including Zenith Bank, Novus Microfinance Bank, BDIC, RENERGX Ecotech Ltd, and ANDOR Global Foods. Attendees had direct engagement opportunities with innovators and investors across agriculture, technology, education, and financial services.
Energy, Gas, and Minerals Take the Spotlight on Final Day
The third day of the summit focused on Benue’s vast energy and mineral potential. In his keynote, Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella, retired Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, underscored the importance of midstream gas infrastructure to power industrialization and job creation in the state.
Dr. Esther N. Udo, Director of Investment Promotion at the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, delivered a data-rich presentation on Benue’s abundant mineral resources, including barite, lead-zinc, clay, and coal. She called for responsible private sector investment and improved state-federal coordination.
Prof. Mohammad Ibrahim, former Chairman of the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), delivered a technical presentation on the potential of Coalbed Methane (CBM) in Ugbokolo, Orokam, Owukpa, and Gboko. He described CBM as a cleaner alternative to traditional coal and an enabler of industrial and environmental transformation.
Panel discussions followed featuring key energy players such as Greenville Gas and Highland LNG, with deliberations on renewable energy solutions including biogas facilities, solar infrastructure, and mini power plants.
ASINDO Tech Unveils Integrated Cassava-Biogas Project
A major announcement at the summit was the unveiling of a $31.3 million Integrated Cassava Processing and Biogas Power Facility by ASINDO Tech. The project aims to process 210,000 tons of cassava annually into high-value products like tapioca starch and flour while generating 2.5 MW of electricity from biogas.
The project, which offers an estimated internal rate of return (IRR) of 23% and a payback period of 3.8 years, is expected to generate $34.4 million in annual revenue with a net profit of $6.1 million. The facility will operate on a circular economy model and create over 350 direct jobs while supporting smallholder farmers and enhancing rural energy access.
Summit Signals New Era for Benue’s Economic Growth
In his closing remarks, Sir Alex Addingi commended all delegates, partners, and organizers for their contributions to the success of the summit. He reaffirmed Governor Alia’s economic vision centered on agriculture, innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive growth.
“This summit is not a one-time event but the beginning of a strategic journey,” he said. “Benue is open for business, and we are committed to sustaining investor confidence and global partnerships that will transform our economy.”
The Benue International Investment & Economic Summit 2025 stands as a testament to the state’s ambition to reposition itself as a hub of industrial and economic excellence in Nigeria and West Africa.
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