The Benue State Fashion and ICT MSME Hub is projected to create up to 48,000 jobs annually when fully optimised, positioning it as one of the most ambitious skills and enterprise development projects in the state.
The hub, located in Makurdi, was established under the administration of Hyacinth Iormem Alia with support from the Federal Government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises and reduce youth unemployment.
At its commissioning in August 2024 by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Federal Government described the facility as a critical platform for job creation, skills transfer and industrial productivity, noting that its full employment potential would be realised only when operations are fully scaled.
The Fashion and ICT Hub is equipped with more than 200 fashion production machines and over 100 ICT devices, designed to meet global standards and support large-scale training and production. It was conceived as more than an infrastructure project, but as a long-term investment in people, creativity and enterprise.
According to information released during the launch, the hub has the capacity to train young people in fashion design, digital design, ICT operations and equipment handling, while also providing a supportive environment for MSMEs to grow into sustainable businesses. The projected 48,000 jobs include both direct and indirect opportunities expected to emerge from training, production, supply chains and related services once the facility is operating at full capacity.
Since operations began, 96 beneficiaries have undergone training at the hub, with additional participants currently enrolled. Selection was structured to ensure statewide inclusion, with three beneficiaries drawn from each of Benue’s 23 local government areas.
Officials have consistently emphasised that the job figure remains a projection rather than a current outcome. While the hub is active and training is ongoing, there have been no official updates confirming that the facility has reached full optimisation or that the projected employment numbers have already been achieved.
The state government has, however, continued to highlight the hub as a cornerstone of its broader youth empowerment and economic development strategy. By combining skills acquisition with access to modern equipment and enterprise support, the Fashion and ICT Hub is expected to play a significant role in reducing unemployment and stimulating local production over time.
As implementation continues, stakeholders say sustained funding, expanded training cycles and stronger market linkages will be key to unlocking the hub’s full job-creation potential.
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