Benue mill tests-run soya oil production

Benue’s agro-industrial revival drive under Governor Hyacinth Alia received a boost when Taraku Mills Limited commenced test-run production of eight trucks of soyabean totalling 200 tonnes.

Group Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, said BIPC deliberately revitalised the factory which had been dormant for years to commence production of Golden Soya Oil.

He described the test-run as a positive step towards boosting the state’s agro-industrial capacity and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.

Asemakaha, who lamented the high rate of unemployment and lack of market access for farmers, said the revitalisation would provide a ready market for local soyabean and grain farmers and create direct and indirect jobs for the teeming population.

He noted that tertiary institutions in the state had continued to produce graduates without jobs, disclosing that 14,802 graduated in 2024 and 16,200 in 2025, with many yet to secure employment.

According to him, BIPC is determined to ensure the factory works optimally, stressing that most government assets in private hands without commitment have become a burden to government.

He urged soyabean farmers and producers of maize and other raw materials to scale up production, assuring them of off-take opportunities that would guarantee value.

The GMD stated that the Alia administration is deliberately bringing industries closer to the people, insisting that all government-owned companies, both old and new, must become operational.

“Those factories must work deliberately for the benefit of our people. A lot of people have asked why government is involved in these businesses. In China, there are hundreds of state-owned enterprises. Every province has state-owned enterprises operating on a model similar to BIPC. That is the model we are adopting.

“A state-owned enterprise is not just about sitting down and collecting salaries. It is about working and delivering results. That is why we are working the talk and bringing results. We have told our people to hold us to our word because we understand the business,” Asemakaha said.

On the production process, the Plant Manager, Engr. James Tergu Ikuve, said the facility has an installed capacity of 200 tonnes per day but will commence at 50 tonnes per day because the equipment had been out of use for many years.

He said purification has commenced after taking delivery of the 300 tonnes of soyabean, adding that crushing would begin in the next two days and, once a reasonable quantity of oil is extracted, refining would follow.

He assured that the oil would hit the market before the end of October, noting that the facility has adequate manpower to drive the process.

Youth leader of Taraku community, Comrade Iortuhwa Richard, commended Governor Alia for resuscitating the moribund company and bringing dividends of democracy to the community.