Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to national agricultural growth, particularly in soybean farming.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Official Launch of the National Soyabean Production Expansion Policy and Strategy held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, Governor Alia emphasized the importance of Benue State in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
Governor Alia stated that Benue is an integral part of the National Soybean Expansion Strategy, which aims to generate N3.9 trillion in annual revenue, create one million jobs across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and position Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse.
According to him, “Our fields, enriched by nature and sustained by tradition, have made Benue the leading producer of soybeans in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.”
The Governor noted that Benue plays a major role in the country’s soybean output, cultivating a substantial share of Nigeria’s 780,000 hectares and contributing significantly to the nation’s 758,000 metric tons of annual soybean production. He affirmed that the greatest achievements are still ahead and that the state has set benchmarks for excellence in the sector.
Governor Alia explained that through the Benue Agricultural Development Company and key partnerships, the state is deploying agricultural extension officers, forming mechanization clusters across 15 soybean-producing Local Government Areas, and training farmers in best practices and climate-smart agriculture.
He stated, “We will double our soybean output from 202,000 to at least 400,000 tons in three years; contribute more than 400,000 metric tons to national production annually; generate billions in new revenue and support Nigeria’s N3.9 trillion industry target; empower tens of thousands of households and create a sustainable agricultural legacy.”
The Governor called on the Federal Government, development partners, private investors, and all stakeholders to support the soybean sector, urging a joint effort to turn soybeans into a golden crop for Nigeria.
“Together, we will make Nigeria a global leader in soybean production and ensure lasting prosperity for every community,” he said.
Also addressing the audience, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the economic and nutritional importance of soyabean production in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
He urged commissioners for agriculture nationwide to pursue the soybean initiative with vision and determination, encouraging collaboration with farmers, processors, and investors.
The Minister praised Governor Alia for his bold leadership and coordination in driving agricultural development in Benue State. A session was held for goodwill messages from various stakeholders, including Kpenkaan Terhemen Johnpaul, Chairman of the Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria (FoSIPAN) and Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency.
Johnpaul emphasized that investment promotion agencies across the country will work with the Federal Government, development partners, and private investors to de-risk agribusiness projects and attract capital to create sustainable value chains.
The event concluded with the presentation of the seven pillars of the Soyabean Production Strategy and the unveiling of the National Soyabean Production Policy and Strategy.