Africa, despite being endowed with vast arable land and rich natural resources, faces an ongoing battle with food insecurity. With over 1.4 billion people today, and projections estimating the population to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, the demand for food is increasing exponentially. Yet, Africa remains heavily reliant on food imports, with over 40% of the continent’s food needs coming from outside. The gap between food production and demand continues to widen, exacerbated by climate change, poor infrastructure, and inadequate agriculture investment. This is a paradox – a continent with so much potential yet struggling to feed itself. One thing that is certain and non-negotiable at this time in history is the fact that: It is time for Africa to move “From Scarcity to Security.”
Through strategic investment in agriculture, infrastructure and technology, Benue state, which is at the heart of the Nation, in the arable land of North central Nigeria, can and as a matter of fact is on the path of creating sustainable food systems that can feed Africa and the world. Known as the food basket of the Nation, Benue is rising to the new challenge of becoming the agricultural hub of Africa as it prepares to take the responsibility of feeding the world.
Created in 1976, Benue state is above all else a land flowing with milk and honey poised with a new standard for what the continent can achieve especially under the leadership of His Excellency Rev. fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia who eats, sleeps and breaths agriculture.
Recently, at the Agricultural Summit Africa ASA 2024 which held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, the executive Governor, Rev. fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia revealed the strategic agricultural plan of the state, “Our strategy is simple: 90% of our people are already engaged in farming. We intend to make agriculture profitable for the farmer, increase output through improved practices, input and mechanisation, create access to markets and develop the agricultural value chain from raw materials to semi and fully-finished products. We are convinced that if a group of people with sheer determination and minimal help from the establishment can pull the results we have had so far, deliberate investment in our strategy will drive us towards our goal. We are Benue, and our approach is already yielding results and it’s becoming more evident that whenever you think agriculture, you think Benue.”
Framing Benue’s Potential and Role in Africa’s Food Security
In Benue, agriculture is more than an occupation; it is a way of life, a pride. The will to farm is already in abundance, supported by fertile lands stretching over 35,000 square kilometers covering 23 Local Government Areas. As at today, Benue is the world’s largest producer of yams and cassava, major producer of grains like soybeans and maize plus fruits and vegetables. With the state’s teeming youth population, Benue could fuel the dreams of a continent and address a pressing need in the world. Truth is resources alone are not enough. One must harness this natural wealth in bold and innovative ways, turning it into value-added, finished agricultural products that meet local and international demand.
Benue State boasts of immense floodplains, anchored by two major rivers. The River Benue is the second longest river in Nigeria, with a vast catchment basin of 319,000 square kilometres, spanning approximately 1,400 kilometres. The river Benue remains navigable during the summer, supporting trade, agriculture, and transportation. The Katsina Ala River, another major waterway, originates northeast of Bamenda, Cameroon, flowing 320 kilometres northwest into Nigeria, where it joins the Benue River near Abinsi. There is also the River buruku and other tributaries which together enrich Benue’s floodplains, providing fertile land, ideal for year-round farming, boosting food production and ensuring water availability. With strategic investments in irrigation, these water resources can transform Benue into a leading agribusiness hub, ensuring food security and economic growth for the region. Which makes it paramount that When one thinks agriculture, One must think Benue.
Benue State is renowned for its vast orange orchards stretching from Buruku through Ushongo to Konshisha and beyond. These sweet oranges have provided high-quality fruits to Nigeria and even reached markets in the Central African Republic for decades. These orchards produce some of the finest oranges in the region, thanks to Benue’s fertile soil and favourable climate, which give the fruit its distinct, sought-after taste. Investment opportunities in this sector are abundant. With enhanced processing and export facilities, Benue’s orange industry could expand significantly, creating jobs, supporting local farmers, and strengthening regional trade. By capitalising on this potential, investors can help establish Benue as a leader in citrus production, advancing the state’s vision as Africa’s agricultural hub and contributing to food security across borders.
Benue State’s sesame seeds, famously known as “Beniseed” in global markets, have a rich legacy dating back to the early 20th century when British merchants sought Benue’s premium sesame, shipping it across seas to Europe. Celebrated as the world’s finest, Benue’s sesame seeds were vital to Nigeria’s economy long before oil became the nation’s primary export. Today, Europe’s demand for our Beniseed remains insatiable, using it in high-quality foods, oils, and cosmetics. Benue is committed to restoring its agricultural heritage, and sesame is at the forefront. With targeted investment, we can expand production and processing, offering investors a chance to engage in a profitable venture that honours our past while building a sustainable future for Nigeria’s agricultural growth.
Benue mangoes, celebrated worldwide for their unique sweetness and quality, are unmatched in flavour and variety, grown across lush orchards stretching from Kwande to Gboko and Vandeikya to Gwer. These mangoes have become a prized export, commanding high demand in both local and international markets. With the state’s fertile lands, Benue offers a wide range of mango varieties that suit fresh fruit markets, dried fruit processing, and juice production. The investment potential here is immense – from establishing new orchards and processing facilities to building export channels that meet global standards. By investing in the ‘mango sector’, Benue will not only satisfy a growing global market but also empower local communities and create sustainable economic growth.
Benue is Nigeria’s foremost grower of soya beans, a legacy crop that has fuelled Nigeria’s economic growth even before independence. Known for its quality, Benue’s soya beans have long been a prized export, recognised across borders. To harness this potential, the state established Taraku Mills, once a powerhouse in vegetable oil production, renowned globally for its high-quality output. Today, however, Taraku Mills lies dormant – a “sleeping giant” ready for revitalisation. This is a task his excellency Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia is not relenting on. For investors, this presents an extraordinary opportunity: with minimal competition, robust local expertise, and high demand for quality vegetable oil, reviving Taraku Mills could unlock substantial returns, create jobs, and position Benue as a leader in agro-processing once more.
In Benue State, the palm plantation potential is vast, especially in Zone C, where the rich soil of Ogbadibo, Okpokwu, Ado, and Ohimini Local Government Areas provides ideal conditions for oil palm cultivation. This cash crop, historically vital to Nigeria’s economy, offers high profitability for investors and a strategic opportunity to address Nigeria’s significant palm oil deficit. By investing in Benue’s palm plantations, stakeholders can tap into an enduring demand for palm oil, used in food, cosmetics, and industry. Investors in our palm sector will tap into the global palm oil market valued at 71 billion US Dollars in 2023.
Rice farming has flourished across Benue State, particularly in the Local Government Areas of Guma, Gwer West, Makurdi, Logo, Agatu, and Buruku, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for high-yield production. With Nigeria facing an annual rice deficit of approximately 3 million metric tons, currently filled through imports and smuggling, the demand for locally-produced rice is immense. By investing in Benue’s rice sector, stakeholders can help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports while benefiting from a lucrative market opportunity. This investment would drive substantial returns, improve food security, create local jobs, and position Benue as a leading contributor to Nigeria’s goal of rice self-sufficiency.
There are countless more opportunities here, far too many to cover in this space. But the key takeaway is clear: when you think agriculture, think Benue.
The approach of the state government under the focused, dedicated and deliberate leadership of Gov. Hyacinth Alia is clear: transitioning from being a supplier of raw agricultural materials to a producer of finished, high-value agricultural products. This shift presents a wealth of opportunities for investment in mechanisation, value addition, storage, and transportation infrastructure
There is a great chance to redefine what African agriculture can achieve, starting with Benue. The goal may be ambitious, but is certainly achievable: Benue State will be Africa’s agricultural hub, where new ideas and old wisdom meet to create a food-secure continent.’’
Addressing Insecurity And Other Challenges
In pursuing these agricultural opportunities, the state is not unaware of the challenges, with security being a foremost concern. Insecurity disrupts farming cycles, threatens farmers and diminishes our productivity, especially in rural areas where agriculture is the backbone of livelihoods. To address this, Benue State has taken significant steps to safeguard her people and agricultural assets. The government has restructured the security architecture, establishing the Bureau of Homeland Security to lead efforts in coordination and response. The revitalised vigilante group, now called the Lifeguards, alongside Agro Rangers, patrols farmlands and gathers intelligence to support armed forces. Additionally, there is a strong collaboration with the Navy to commence River Benue patrols, to deter surprise attacks and provide further protection to communities and farmlands.
Apart from security, Benue’s agriculture sector faces several other key challenges that must be addressed to unlock its full potential. Firstly, inadequate infrastructure hinders the efficient movement of agricultural produce. To tackle this, the state is constructing 500 kilometres of roads across the state, which will enhance connectivity and market access. Secondly, access to markets and trade barriers pose challenges, but with frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the government is positioning Benue as a hub for trade. Lastly, climate change and environmental degradation threaten agricultural productivity. In response, Benue has set up a Climate Commission to ensure sustainable practices. These challenges amongst several others like limited access to finance for smallholder farmers, lack of modern farming techniques, post-harvest losses and processing gaps present immense opportunities for investors to bring innovative solutions, improve infrastructure, and contribute to transforming Benue into a global agricultural powerhouse.
The Benue Agricultural Transformation Programme
The Benue Agricultural Transformation Programme has ambitious targets to increase productivity by at least 8% annually. This programme represents a new paradigm – where food security, economic growth, and sustainable development converge. Under this administration, the governor does not only talk about agriculture, he is putting his money where his mouth is. His excellency, Rev. fr. Dr. hyacinth Iormem Alia administration committed 12.5% of the state’s 2024 budget to agriculture, surpassing global benchmarks by almost five points. And this he said, is just the beginning as In 2025 will witness even more. With this bold investment, the state is setting the stage for an agricultural transformation that will drive economic prosperity and improve the lives of all Benue residents.
Benue’s policy thrust for agriculture in Benue is rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and forward-thinking practices. Through the Benue Agricultural Transformation Programme, the state is advancing mechanisation, building essential infrastructure, and developing supply chains that extend beyond its borders. Benue is unreservedly investing in sustainable practices, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and attracting innovators committed to Africa’s agricultural future.
The goals of the state under Governor Alia are clear: creating sustainable food systems, driving economic prosperity, and empowering communities across Benue. These goals align with Africa’s broader agricultural transformation frameworks, including Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). Through these frameworks, Benue aims to be a model of how state-level commitment can contribute to continental agricultural ambitions.
Concrete Actions: What the state has Achieved so far
Quoting His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia: “Our vision is not just a dream – it is already producing measurable results. In the last 18 months, we have focused on empowering farmers, modernising our systems, and building the infrastructure needed to support a thriving agricultural economy. We have distributed tractors to farmers across Benue, marking just the beginning of a much larger mechanisation drive and further secured delivery of an additional 3,000 tractors to be delivered over the coming months. For perspective, that’s 130 tractors per local government area – a game-changing investment in the future of Benue’s farming communities. But this is not enough. We are open to investments that will set up tractor manufacturing plants in the state and make Benue a net supplier of tractors to African nations to drive the agricultural revolution in Africa.
We are also forming strategic Partnerships for transformation, notable amongst them is the French Development Agency (AFD) to meet our human capital needs in the sector. This support, with other development partners, the Federal government of Nigeria will be channelled to support skill-building in agriculture in our institutions and prepare thousands of our people for the task ahead. Similar partnerships will boost our efforts in land clearing, equipment fabrication, improved seedlings, provision of inputs, creating market access, redefining logistical challenges and deploying technology to bridge identified gaps.”
In line with Nigeria’s National Livestock Transformation Plan, Benue is taking the lead. At Raav, for instance, Benue state has dedicated 9.2 square kilometres to creating a world-class livestock development hub. The place is not just for raising animals; but creating a fully integrated ecosystem with feed production, processing facilities, and veterinary services. This hub is a jobs engine, a food security booster, and a model for sustainable livestock practices that meet local demand and open doors to export opportunities. As a necessary prelude to ranching, the government is investing in hay and fodder production for local consumption and export. It is good to indicate here that a globally acceptable standard for animal husbandry is ranching with controlled dietary provisions for confined animals. In all of these, the call is the same: Think Agriculture, Think Benue.
To make Benue the breadbasket of Africa, we are expanding from traditional agriculture to become a hub for sustainable fisheries production. In Ber Agbum, we have dedicated over 28,000 hectares and 7 square kilometres of water bodies to support fisheries, ensuring consistent, year-round fish production and other farming activities. This major initiative positions Benue to address the country’s fish deficit, with Nigeria’s annual fish demand estimated at 3.2 million metric tons, while local production lags at around 1 million metric tons. Increasing local production, will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports, enhance food security and meet the growing demand for fish across the continent. With this infrastructure in place, the state is unlocking tremendous opportunities for investors, fish farmers, and businesses. Benue is poised to lead the way in Africa’s fisheries industry, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and contributing to the continent’s food security.
To drive the transformation of Benue’s economy, the Alia led administration is establishing Integrated Agricultural Industrial Parks across all 23 Local Government Areas. These parks will empower local communities and standardise the processing, packaging, and distribution of agricultural products, thereby ensuring a significant value addition to what is produced in the state. In partnership with Nigeria Customs Services, Benue state will set up Customs Warehouses within these parks to streamline export processes, reducing lead times and accelerating access to global markets. By facilitating quicker clearance at ports, time will be saved resulting to tangible financial gains. These initiatives will strengthen supply chains, boost job creation, enhance household incomes, and position Benue as a competitive player in the global agricultural market.
The aim of the integrated agro-industrial park initiative is to enhance agricultural productivity, boost local industries, and contribute to achieving the United Nations’ goals for sustainable economic growth, particularly SDGs 2 and 9, Zero Hunger, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. This is the foundation for growth that will move Benue from being an exporter of raw materials to a supplier of finished, high-value goods that meet global standards. So When you think agriculture, think Benue.
To ensure that Benue’s nutritious and high-quality food reaches the table of every craving Nigerian family at affordable prices, the state will establish Benue Farm Markets in major metropolitan states. These markets will feature state-of-the-art storage facilities, including cold and dry storage, to preserve the freshness of our produce and reduce waste. The wholesale platforms, will connect local farmers with broader markets, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models, the state will invite investors to partner in creating modern market infrastructure. This initiative will strengthen the supply chains, boost Benue’s agricultural exports, create jobs, and contribute to national food security, ensuring that Benue’s agricultural products are accessible across Nigeria.
Imagine a farmer in Benue who, with support from these initiatives, can now plant confidently, knowing that he or she is part of something bigger – a supply chain that reaches beyond Benue, beyond Nigeria, into the heart of Africa and the world. These are not pipe dreams; they are stepping stones on our path to becoming Africa’s agricultural hub. When you think agriculture, think Benue.
Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships and Private Investments
The Benue state is committed to working with the private sector to unlock new opportunities in agriculture knowing that this envisioned transformation cannot be achieved alone. By fostering partnerships that enhance processing, value addition, and market access, the state is creating an ecosystem that supports growth across the entire agricultural value chain – from farm to market, and beyond.
These partnerships, will also position Benue as a key player in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, further opening up opportunities for farmers to access global markets. These collaborations represent a shift toward a future where agriculture is profitable, inclusive, and attractive to young people and investors alike.
One huge success story is the thriving ethanol plant in Makurdi, which has shown immense potential in cassava-based ethanol production. With abundant land available across the state, particularly in local governments like Gwer-West, Ogbadibo, and Vandeikya, which are known for high cassava yields, the state is well-positioned to expand ethanol production across the three senatorial zones. The global ethanol market, valued at over 100 billion US Dollars in 2022, presents significant opportunities for Benue. Currently, Nigeria’s ethanol production is limited, primarily focused on beverage alcohol, but there is vast untapped potential in biofuels and pharmaceuticals. By establishing more ethanol plants, the state can capitalise on this growing market, create jobs, boost the local economy, and contribute to global energy solutions.
To facilitate investments like this, the state has established the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), an agency dedicated to promoting and enabling ease of investment in Benue. Through BENIPA, we are supporting Greenfield projects, Public-Private Partnerships, and the privatisation and commercialisation of state-owned assets. This has positioned Benue as the premier destination for investment in Africa’s agricultural sector.
To guide our economic transformation, the state has established the Benue Economic Council, composed of some of Nigeria’s finest minds, including eminent professionals like Professor Pat Utomi and Professor Kingsley Moghalu. This esteemed council will provide stability and strategic insight into Benue’s policies, giving investors the confidence that Benue is committed to sound economic governance and sustainable growth. With their guidance, we are creating a secure and vibrant environment for investment in agriculture, industry, and beyond, ensuring that every partner can trust in Benue’s promise and potential.
It will interest one to know that over the last year, Benue has risen 13 places to rank among the top 10 states in Nigeria on the World Bank’s ease of doing business ratings. This could mean only one thing: Benue’s reforms are working and is committed to reaching number one. The state’s infrastructure is equally strong: the upgraded highway from Abuja now makes Makurdi just a three-hour journey. One can travel to Makurdi, conduct one’s business, and return to Abuja same day. But why would one want to do that when Benue has the best-pounded yam in the world? Never mind the swange dance that will give you a relaxing evening.
Benue is not just open for business – Benue is ready to offer local insights, and deliver opportunities to help investors thrive in agriculture, industry, and beyond. Benue is poised to become the agricultural hub of Africa and is ready to make it happen, step by step, with measurable results.
Together, we can transform Africa’s agricultural sector, and in doing so, transform the continent’s future. Together, we will turn this vision into reality. The road ahead may be challenging, but it is also full of promise. We are on a journey that requires ambition, collaboration, and most importantly, a paradigm shift – from raw material agriculture to finished goods agriculture – a shift that will accelerate job creation, boost economic growth, and secure Africa’s future and thus move from scarcity to Security.
So, when you think agriculture, think Benue.
– Iorpev is Technical Adviser to the Benue State governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic communication
