Benue Assembly Urges Re-Capitalization of BIPC for Enhanced Performance

By Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State House of Assembly has called for the re-capitalization of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) to enable it to effectively fulfill its mandate of driving industrialization and economic growth in the state.

Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon.

Thomas Dugeri, made the appeal during an oversight visit to the BIPC Brewery along Gboko Road, as well as the Benfruits and Benval Juice factories located at the Industrial Layout in Makurdi.

During the visit, Dugeri commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for prioritizing industrial development and for appointing Dr. Raymond Asemakaha as Group Managing Director of BIPC, describing the appointment as a “wise decision.”

He noted that the factories were about 90 percent completed and would soon commence operations. Dugeri further emphasized that their successful take-off could significantly boost Benue’s economy, while urging that future budgets provide for the re-capitalization of BIPC to support additional developmental projects.

On his part, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Asemakaha, expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for his consistent support. He disclosed that by October 15, the first batch of 20 trucks loaded with oranges would arrive for a test run of the fruit juice factory.

According to him, “This initiative is a deliberate effort aimed at redirecting the economy of our state,” as he encouraged Benue youths to embrace practical skills for self-reliance rather than relying solely on academic qualifications.

The brewery and fruit juice factory are projected to create over 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, thereby enhancing employment and economic opportunities in Benue State.