Benue State drew global attention at the just-concluded Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algiers, Algeria, where it unveiled its bold agenda for export expansion, industrialization, and investment promotion.
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, represented by the Special Adviser 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 yam, citrus, mangoe, tomatoe, oil palm, and pepper.
He explained that the government was strategically positioning these products for export under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with particular focus on international standards and certification.
To drive this ambition, Governor Alia, according to Zaki, was establishing an Export Facilitation Desk in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
The desk, he stated, would 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.
He added: “We are inviting global players to partner with us in building a new economy for our people.”
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On regional collaboration, he confirmed plans by Governor Alia to strengthen trade corridors and harmonise policies with neighbouring states, including Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and Cross River.
These efforts, he said, would 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 was opening up for responsible mining and value-added processing.
Agro-industrial parks and clusters, he added, were also being developed to create jobs, enhance value addition, and diversify state revenue.
“AfCFTA is a game-changer, and Benue is ready to take the opportunities it presents. Agriculture, minerals, and industrialisation 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 was 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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