Benue State has reaffirmed its position as Nigeria’s soybean production capital as Governor Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia declared the state’s full alignment with the new National Soyabean Production Expansion Policy and Strategy, launched Tuesday at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Governor Alia, speaking at the high-level event, said Benue was proud to anchor a national strategy projected to generate ₦3.9 trillion in annual revenue, create one million jobs across 22 states and the FCT, and elevate Nigeria to the top ranks of global soybean producers.
“Benue’s fertile lands and agricultural heritage have made us the leading producer of soybeans in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa,” the Governor said.
“We are determined to double our output from 202,000 to 400,000 metric tons within three years, and contribute over 400,000 metric tons annually to national output. This is just the beginning.”
He disclosed that through the Benue Agricultural Development Company (BADC) and strategic partnerships, the state is rolling out mechanization clusters in 15 Local Government Areas, deploying trained extension officers, and embracing climate-smart agriculture to revolutionize farming practices.
Governor Alia called on the Federal Government, private investors, and development partners to collaborate and unlock the full potential of the soybean value chain, describing soybeans as the “golden crop” that could transform rural livelihoods and national revenue streams.
In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the central role of soybeans in Nigeria’s agricultural diversification agenda, both for its nutritional value and economic viability.
He urged commissioners of agriculture nationwide to approach the soybean initiative with “vision and resolve,” working closely with stakeholders across the value chain to meet production targets.
Commending Governor Alia’s proactive leadership, the Minister noted: “Benue has become a model for what is possible when leadership aligns with strategy and community mobilization.”
The event featured goodwill messages from various stakeholders including Terhemen Kpenkaan, Chairman of the Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria (FoSIPAN), who pledged robust collaboration among states, federal authorities, and private investors to de-risk and scale up sub-national agribusiness projects.
The ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of the 7 Pillars of the National Soyabean Strategy, which include seed system strengthening, market linkages, processing capacity development, and climate-resilient innovations.
With Benue leading the charge, Nigeria is now poised to become not just a regional hub but a global force in soybean production, redefining food security and agro-industrial growth for years to come.
