Benue State drew global attention at the just-concluded Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) on September 6, 2025, in Algiers, Algeria, as it unveiled its bold agenda for export expansion, industrialisation, and investment promotion.
Representing the executive governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Special Adviser to Governor on International and Global Partnership, Zaki Asen, presented the state’s vision for sustainable growth anchored on agriculture, mineral resources, and industrial development.
Zaki highlighted Benue’s position as Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation,” emphasising its role as the country’s largest producer of soybeans, alongside yams, citrus, mangoes, tomatoes, oil palm, and pepper. He explained that the government was strategically positioning the products for export under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with a particular focus on international standards and certification.
To drive this ambition, Governor Alia is establishing an Export Facilitation Desk in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The desk will ensure that Benue products meet global quality requirements, opening wider access to African and international markets.
Zaki also underscored Governor Alia’s efforts to place Benue firmly on the global investment map. He noted the recent launch of the Benue International Investment and Economic Summit and the creation of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA) as deliberate steps to attract investors. Together, these initiatives will provide a one-stop facilitation service, offering incentives such as tax breaks, land access, and regulatory support to businesses.
“Through the Investment and Economic Summit, His Excellency has created a window for the world to see Benue’s vast potential,” Zaki said. “We are inviting global players to partner with us in building a new economy for our people.”
On regional collaboration, he revealed plans by Governor Alia to strengthen trade corridors and harmonize policies with neighbouring States, including Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and Cross River. These efforts, he said, will include joint processing and logistics hubs to reduce bottlenecks and boost competitiveness.
Turning to mineral resources, he described gold, lithium, limestone, coal, barite, gemstones, and salt as “hidden assets” that the government is opening up for responsible mining and value-added processing. Agro-industrial parks and clusters, he added, are also being developed to create jobs, enhance value addition, and diversify state revenue.
“AfCFTA is a game-changer, and Benue is ready to seize the opportunities it presents. Agriculture, minerals, and industrialization will form the pillars of a new Benue economy that is resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive,” he said.
At the fifth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) conference held alongside the fair, Zaki assured investors of Governor Alia’s commitment to creating a secure, profitable, and sustainable environment for business. He stressed that the administration is determined to transform Benue’s narrative from one of challenges to one of opportunities and resilience.
The IATF 2025, organised by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, hosted over 1,600 exhibitors and more than 35,000 participants, cementing its place as Africa’s largest platform for trade and investment promotion.
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