The Federal Government has officially launched the National Soybean Production Expansion Policy and Strategy, a transformative initiative targeting ₦3.9 trillion in annual revenue and the creation of 1 million farm and off-farm jobs across 22 states and the FCT.
The strategy, unveiled under the theme States Participation in National Soybean Expansion, marks a significant milestone in Nigerias agricultural history. It is designed to cultivate one million hectares of farmland and deliver 460,000 metric tons of soybean grain to the market within two years, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
“Achieving these ambitious targets requires more than plans. It demands a supportive ecosystem driven by effective governance, strong partnerships, and committed states,” Kyari said at the Abuja event on Tuesday.
Among the participating states, Benuethe food basket of Nigeriahas emerged as the linchpin of this national soybean revolution, leveraging its fertile land, production history, and bold public-private partnerships to spearhead the strategy.
Benues Legacy And Leadership In Soybean Production
Benues leadership in soybean production is not new. The states rich Guinea Savanna soils first embraced soybean farming in 1937, following the introduction of the Malayan variety. By 1947, Benue was exporting 9 tons of soybeans; by the 1960s, production had reached 15,000 tons, cementing its place as Nigerias leading producer.
Today, Benue accounts for a significant share of Nigerias 758,000 metric tons of annual soybean output, cultivating a large portion of the countrys 780,000 hectares under soybean. With 4.8 million hectares of arable land, including 1.2 million hectares already accessible for cultivation, the state remains critical to achieving the Federal Governments expansion goals.
At the policy launch, Benue State Governor, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who was the Special Guest of Honour, reaffirmed the states commitment:
“Benue is not just participating in this strategy; we are driving it. We will double our soybean output from 202,000 to at least 400,000 metric tons in three years. And with strategic investments, we can achieve that even sooner.”
One of such investments, the Governor stated, “is the Benue Food City Complex, which can process at least 50,000 metric tons of soybean annually, generating jobs and fostering SME growth across the state.
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A Bold Benue Strategy Moving From Policy To Action
Benues approach to the soybean expansion mirrors the national strategys key pillars, demonstrating how state-driven initiatives can translate policy into results:
Seed and Soil Innovation Benue is partnering with research institutions like IITA and local seed companies to distribute high-yielding, disease-resistant soybean varieties. A new Soybean Seed Multiplication and Distribution Programme will reach 200,000 farmers within three years, aiming to increase yields from 1.2 metric tons to up to 3 metric tons per hectare.
Extension Services and Mechanisation Through the Benue Agricultural Development Company (BADC) and the Benue State Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanisation (BADM), extension officers and mechanisation clusters are being deployed in 15 producing LGAs to train farmers in climate-smart and best agronomic practices.
Expansion of Cultivation Areas The Open Farmland Initiative is unlocking 30,000 new hectares for soybean farming, using public-private partnerships and land aggregation models to attract commercial-scale investors with secure land titles and tax incentives.
Processing and Value Addition
The states game-changer is the Benue Food City Complex in Ogyoma, Otukpo LGA:
Valued at $250 million, this is the first PPP project in Benues nearly 50-year history.
It will process at least 50,000 metric tons of soybeans annually into soy oil, livestock feed, soy-based food products, and industrial derivatives, positioning Benue as a hub for agro-industrialisation.
By integrating SMEs into its value chain, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract ancillary investments in packaging, logistics, and retail.
Post-Harvest Management Benue is expanding silos and aggregation centres in Makurdi, Gboko, and Katsina-Ala, with digital tracking systems to reduce post-harvest losses, stabilise prices, and facilitate market access.
Market Access and Trade Facilitation With BRICS+ markets (China, India, Brazil, and South Africa) showing strong demand, Benue is working with national agencies to develop export certification frameworks and broker buyer-supplier agreements.
Governance and Implementation While the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA) will coordinate and facilitate investments into the sector, the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will provide sectoral oversight and policy guidelines to ensure transparency and measurable impact.
For Benue, the message is clear: the food basket of the nation is now also its growth engine.
Solomon Iorpev,
Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication
Economic Impact, Jobs, Revenue, And Rural Prosperity
The soybean expansion is more than an agricultural project; it is a catalyst for economic growth.
According to projections by the Benue Ministry of Agriculture:
Over 100,000 new jobs will be created in farming, processing, logistics, and trade.
Farmers net income is expected to rise to ₦40,000 per hectare, significantly improving rural livelihoods.
The state will generate billions of naira in new revenue from taxes, export levies, and value-added processing.
By-products from soybean processing will feed into livestock feed manufacturing, soy-based pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production, spurring agro-industrial diversification.
In his goodwill message, Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, Executive Secretary of BENIPA and Chairman of the Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria (FoSIPAN), noted that Benues approach demonstrates how states can leverage the national strategy for industrial-scale transformation:
“Soybean is not just a crop; it is a business. With the Food City Complex and other agro-industrial initiatives, like the Taraku Mills, Benue is showing how to move from subsistence to serious agribusinesscreating wealth, jobs, and export opportunities,” he stated.
CHALLENGES AND COLLABORATION
Access to quality seeds, fertilisers, affordable mechanisation, and market price stability remains a challenge. But Governor Alia emphasises collaboration as the solution:
“We cannot do this alone. We need the Federal Government, development partners, and private sector investors to join us in building secured farm clusters, financing processing plants, and opening trade corridors. Benue is ready to provide the land, farmers, and an enabling environment.”
THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE A SHARED MISSION
At the national level, Senator Kyari stressed that the policy provides a clear blueprint to scale production, drive value addition, and expand markets.
“This is a national mission under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Food and Nutrition Security. If every state plays its part, Nigeria will not only meet domestic demand but also become a global soybean player,” he said.
The Minister also hinted at incentives for states that move quickly to implement the strategy, noting that the Federal Government will prioritise support to states with bankable projects and clear implementation plans.
A NEW DAWN FOR NIGERIAS AGRICULTURE
The launch of the National Soybean Production Expansion Policy is a turning point for Nigerian agriculture. With Benue State as a model of how states can translate policy into action, Nigeria stands a real chance of achieving the ₦3.9 trillion annual revenue and 1 million new jobs envisioned by the strategy.
In the words of John Paul Kpenkaan, FoSIPAN Chairman:
“The world is watching. The future of Nigerian agriculture begins with bold, bankable projects like what Benue is doing. If we get soybean right, we can replicate this model for maize, cassava, and other crops. This is how we build prosperity, from the farm to the factory, and from the state to the nation.”
For Benue, the message is clear: the food basket of the nation is now also its growth engine.
Solomon Iorpev,
Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication
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