Friday, 18th July 2025 – The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has launched a major move to expand industrial development in the region.
He has secured a partnership with a top Chinese textile company for the importation and installation of modern wrapper printing equipment at the Benue Printing & Publishing Corporation (BPPC), Makurdi.
This project is part of the governor’s continued efforts to revive struggling industries, provide employment opportunities for Benue’s youth, and improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Last year, he officially commissioned BPPC, making it the biggest and only state-owned printing press in Northern Nigeria.
Since its revival, the Managing Director of BPPC, Mr. Joel Mtsor (SHIMATEX), has remained committed to upgrading the facility.
Today, Mr. Shimatex is in China on a detailed inspection tour of the largest textile company in the country. He is also holding key meetings with Chinese partners to begin work on this massive wrapper printing project.
Currently, Northern Nigeria has just one wrapper printing facility located in Kano. The upcoming Makurdi facility will be the largest, with the potential to transform Benue into a hub for textile production.
“This development will greatly boost our revenue and provide jobs for our teeming youth,” said Mr. Shimatex.
Governor Alia has once again demonstrated strong economic leadership by driving investment in local manufacturing and job creation.