By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has completed installation of its juice factory at the Makurdi industrial layout, with operations set to commence on October 1, 2025.
The facility is expected to generate 400 direct jobs for residents of the state.
Group Managing Director (GMD) of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, made this known on Tuesday during a media briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) House in Makurdi.
He disclosed that the factory’s equipment installation is now 100 percent complete, with production capacity estimated at 65,000 litres.
Dr. Asemakaha explained that the factory will produce mango and orange juice using fruits sourced directly from Benue farmers just he noted that the initiative will help stabilise market prices, end the exploitation of local producers, and position Benue as a price-setter in Nigeria’s fruit market.
“We have fully installed the juice factory beside Naka Road, and production will begin precisely on October 1, 2025. The factory is highly technical and will be operated in partnership with European Union experts, while our local staff will be trained and involved in management,” he said.
He added that a trial run will take place in August when the equipment manufacturer arrives for a test production phase.
On pricing, Asemakaha said, “Benue has the best oranges and mangoes, but our farmers are often shortchanged by buyers from the North. We intend to set a standard. If they want our fruits, they must come to Benue and buy at our own price.”
The BIPC boss further disclosed that, through other ventures including water production, bread baking, nail manufacturing, and polythene bag production, the company has already created 580 direct and 3,008 indirect jobs across the state.
He also gave an update on the ongoing construction of the Benue Brewery, which he said is now 84 percent completed, saying that the brewery is projected to create over 1,000 jobs and will rely heavily on local raw materials such as cassava and rice.
He therefore urged farmers to increase production to meet the factory’s future demand.
Responding to concerns about the sustainability of these companies after his tenure, Asemakaha dismissed the belief that government cannot successfully run businesses.
He cited examples such as Akwa Ibom Airlines and several state-backed companies in China, arguing that the issue lies with the character of business managers, not ownership.
He proposed that in order to ensure continuity, converting the businesses into limited liability companies, with the Benue State Government retaining 50 percent ownership while offering the remaining 50 percent to the public remains the best idea.
Asemakaha concluded by urging Benue youths to equip themselves with vocational skills alongside their academic qualifications to remain competitive in the evolving job market.
