“Situating the project in Benue South is to demonstrate that shows I am a Governor for all citizens of the state,” stated Governor Hyacinth Alia during the announcement of the National Food City Project. This initiative, located in the Benue South Senatorial District, specifically in Otukpo Local Government Area, aims to bolster agricultural productivity and food security in the region.
The National Food City Project will involve cultivating over 30,000 hectares of mechanised farmland and establishing agro-processing facilities for key crops such as rice, cassava, maize, and soybeans. The project is expected to deploy renewable energy infrastructure with a generation capacity of up to 25 megawatts, which will support the agricultural activities and processing facilities.
Governor Alia emphasized that this initiative is a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Rexzodeneh Group Limited (RGL), which will finance, build, and manage the facility for 25 years before transferring ownership to the state. The State Government will provide the necessary land and critical infrastructure to support this ambitious project.
In addition to the National Food City Project, the state has been addressing other pressing issues. On March 25, 2026, troops killed one terrorist and arrested four suspects in Gwer West, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
Furthermore, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has reported a significant reduction in electricity allocation from the national grid, impacting power supply in Benue. Saratu Aliyu Dauda, a spokesperson for the company, noted, “The reduction in power supply is a result of decreased allocation from the national grid,” adding that “JED Plc can only distribute the energy it receives from the grid.” This situation underscores the importance of reliable energy sources for the success of the National Food City Project.
The National Food City Project is a direct outcome of the administration’s policy direction to industrialize agriculture and improve food security. With the establishment of this complex, the state aims to create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that can support local farmers and contribute to the economy.
As the project progresses, further updates are expected regarding its implementation and the anticipated impact on the local community and economy. The collaboration between the government and private sector entities like Rexzodeneh Group Limited is seen as a crucial step towards achieving these goals.