Benue Moves to Revive N70bn Taraku Mills, Targets 2,000 Jobs
The Benue State Government has begun steps to revive the long-abandoned Taraku Mills agro-processing factory, a facility valued at over $50 million (about N70 billion), with expectations that its return to operation will generate at least 2,000 direct jobs.
The Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the Taraku Mills plant in Makurdi on Friday. The factory has remained inactive since 2009.
Asemakaha revealed that much of the plant’s equipment remains intact and in excellent condition despite years of inactivity. He credited the host community and security personnel for safeguarding the facility from vandalism over the years.
According to him, BIPC has commenced a comprehensive asset audit and plans to engage former technical personnel to assess the equipment and conduct test runs. The exercise is expected to determine the level of investment required to fully restore production activities at the factory.
Speaking during the inspection, pioneer engineer of the plant, James Ikuve, highlighted the factory’s production capacity. He explained that the maize and animal feed section can process 120,000 tonnes of maize and 172,300 tonnes of feed annually, while the oil processing unit has the capacity to handle 320 tonnes of soybeans and refine 100 tonnes of oil daily.
The Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Area, Timothy Adi, praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for initiating the revival project, describing it as a significant step toward restoring industrial development and boosting economic growth in Benue State.
Residents and industry stakeholders have also welcomed the initiative, expressing confidence that the reopening of the factory will create employment opportunities, provide a ready market for farmers, and stimulate economic activities across the state.
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