Alia: Food City Project in Benue South Reflects Fairness Across Zones

By Abah Margaret

Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has said the decision to locate the multi-billion naira National Food City Project in Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C) underscores his administration’s commitment to fairness and balanced development across the state.

The project is situated in Otukpo Local Government Area.

Alia made this known during a Diaspora Townhall meeting organised by the Benue State Directorate for Diaspora, Linkages and Investment Office on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described the National Food City Project as a large-scale agri-industrial hub designed to boost agricultural productivity and economic growth.

According to him, the project will span over 30,000 hectares of mechanised farmland and include agro-processing facilities for key crops such as rice, cassava, maize, and soybeans.

Responding to concerns about uneven distribution of projects, Alia said the siting of the initiative in Benue South demonstrates his administration’s resolve to ensure inclusiveness and equitable allocation of resources.

He added that the project aligns with his government’s broader agenda to industrialise agriculture, enhance food security, and drive rural development through private sector participation and innovation.

The governor further disclosed that the facility will incorporate renewable energy infrastructure with a capacity of up to 25 megawatts to power operations. Supporting infrastructure, including staff housing, clinics, internal road networks, and warehouses, will also be developed to ensure sustainability.

Alia explained that the Food City Complex will be delivered under a Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model. Under this arrangement, the state government will provide land and basic infrastructure, while Rexzodeneh Group Limited will finance, construct, and operate the project for 25 years before transferring it to the state.

He described the agreement as a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and the first of its kind in the state’s history, marking a significant milestone for his administration.

Highlighting additional projects in Zone C, the governor noted that the longest single road project undertaken by his government is located in the zone. He listed ongoing road projects to include the 43.5km Obagaji–Okokolo–Agagbe road, the 31.35km Igumale–Agila road, and the 52km Awajir–Oju road. He added that work on Otukpo inner-city roads will soon commence.

Alia also revealed that the Otukpo/Otobi waterworks have been fully rehabilitated and expanded to serve residents and neighbouring communities.

In the health sector, he said 89 Primary Health Care Centres are currently undergoing rehabilitation across the state, with 33 located in Benue South.

On education, the governor disclosed that 29 primary schools across the nine local government areas in the zone have been reconstructed or rehabilitated. He added that five schools, including LGEA Primary School, Edumoga; LGEA Primary School, Agatu; Methodist Primary School, Okeke, Ohimini; LGEA Primary School, Ajide Eke; and St. Mary’s Pilot Primary School, Ogobia in Otukpo LGA, are beneficiaries of the 2025 Matching Grant programme.