The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) is appealing to Benue orange farmers against the indiscriminate movement and sale of oranges outside the state, describing the practice as a direct threat to the state’s agro-industrial transformation agenda.
The Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha CFA, stated that taking the raw oranges out of the state will affect the steady supply of raw materials to the Bensono Concentrate Factory and other processing facilities established by the Benue State Government. He noted that Benue has made significant investments in citrus processing and can no longer afford the continued export of raw produce while industries within the state are starved of inputs.
Dr. Asemakaha emphasized that the era of exporting wealth in its raw form is over. “Our priority is to create jobs, add value to our agricultural produce and build a sustainable industrial economy for Benue people. Every orange processed in Benue translates into employment opportunities, increased income for farmers and greater economic prosperity for the state,” he said.
He assured citrus farmers of a guaranteed market for their produce and urged them to supply their harvest directly to the Bensono Concentrate Factory at competitive prices. The GMD further called on traditional rulers, local government authorities, security agencies and community leaders to support the encouragement of the directive, stressing that protecting local industries is a collective responsibility.
Dr. Asemakaha reaffirmed BIPC’s commitment to implementing the industrialization agenda of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, adding that the government remains focused on ensuring that Benue’s abundant agricultural resources are processed locally to create wealth, generate employment and accelerate economic development.
The press release was signed by the Management of BIPC on July 23, 2026.
