BIPC warns against export of Benue oranges, seeks support for local processing

By Benedicta Aboh

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has urged citrus farmers in the state to stop the indiscriminate sale and transportation of oranges outside Benue, warning that the practice could undermine the state's industrialisation drive.

The Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, in a statement said the continued movement of raw oranges out of the state threatens the steady supply of raw materials needed by the Bensono Concentrate Factory and other agro-processing facilities established by the Benue State Government.

According to him, Benue has invested heavily in citrus processing and must prioritise local value addition instead of exporting raw produce that should feed industries within the state.

Dr Asemakaha stressed that processing agricultural produce locally would create jobs, boost farmers' earnings and strengthen the state's economy.

"The era of exporting our wealth in its raw form is over. Our priority is to create jobs, add value to our agricultural produce and build a sustainable industrial economy for Benue people. Every orange processed in Benue translates into employment opportunities, increased income for farmers and greater economic prosperity for the state," he said.

He assured orange farmers of a ready market for their produce, encouraging them to supply directly to the Bensono Concentrate Factory, where they would receive competitive prices.

The BIPC boss also appealed to traditional rulers, local government councils, security agencies and community leaders to support efforts aimed at discouraging the movement of raw oranges outside the state, describing the protection of local industries as a shared responsibility.

He reaffirmed BIPC's commitment to implementing Governor Hyacinth Alia's industrialisation agenda, noting that the government remains determined to ensure that Benue's agricultural resources are processed within the state to create wealth, expand employment opportunities and drive sustainable economic growth.