Through its efforts in job creation and economic diversification, the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has significantly increased the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State.
The Group Managing Director (GMD) of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, made this known on Tuesday during an interaction with Journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Makurdi.
Dr. Asemakaha said when he took over the helm in December 2023, BIPC was facing significant challenges, including a five-month salary backlog and sluggish economic activity. Nevertheless, he utilized his extensive financial expertise to implement reforms that have revitalized the company and substantially boosted state revenue.
“We recovered properties and funds amounting to approximately ₦133 million when I was appointed,” Dr. Asemakaha revealed. He said, under his leadership, BIPC has expanded its operations to include the production of nails, bottled water, fertilizer, polythene bags, motorcycle hire-purchase, electric car hire services, and a Zeva Premium Lager Beer factory, which is already at 84% completion.
He disclosed that BIPC presently employs over 580 direct staff and has created more than 3,000 indirect job opportunities. “A juice production factory is scheduled to commence operations in October 2025, with over 400 job opportunities expected to be created for Benue citizens. The company’s oil and gas plant is also expected to be operational by the end of July 2025”, he added
Dr. Asemakaha commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for the opportunity to contribute to the state’s economic transformation.
The BIPC GMD highlighted the Train-the-Trainee model as a key strategy for sustainable development, while noting a pressing need for skilled workers, especially in nail production
“We encourage Benue youths to acquire vocational skills for long-term economic benefits. Skills will make one employable,” Dr. Asemakaha said.
The NUJ Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, praised BIPC’s efforts in generating employment opportunities and assured the company of the media’s continued backing.
He said the BIPC’s initiatives and achievements demonstrate its commitment to driving economic growth and development in Benue State.
