In a historic first for Benue State, the state government has signed a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Rexzodeneh Group Limited (RGL) to develop the National Food City Complex in Otukpo Local Government Area. This agreement, formalized exactly one month after the initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 8, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Benue’s 50-year history and underscores Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to agricultural industrialization and economic transformation.
The official signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, where Honorable Commissioner Prof. Moses Ogbaji detailed the government’s vision for the project. Describing it as a direct reflection of Governor Alia’s policy to industrialize agriculture, improve food security, and unlock rural prosperity, Prof. Ogbaji emphasized the critical role of private sector investment and innovation in achieving these goals.
“This agreement is more than just a contract; it’s a declaration of intent by the Benue State Government to position agriculture at the heart of our economic agenda. We expect this project to generate jobs, boost food sufficiency, and foster rural development. We are committed to enforcing all contractual obligations to ensure timely delivery and accountability,” Prof. Ogbaji stated.
The National Food City Project is designed as an integrated agri-industrial hub spanning over 30,000 hectares of mechanized farmland. It will focus on the cultivation of key staple crops such as rice, cassava, maize, and soybeans. In addition to farming, the project includes the construction of agro-processing facilities aimed at adding value to raw agricultural products, enhancing market competitiveness, and creating sustainable supply chains.
To support its operations, the project will incorporate renewable energy infrastructure capable of generating up to 25 megawatts of electricity. This sustainable energy approach will power the farming activities, processing plants, staff housing, clinics, internal roads, and warehouses within the complex, ensuring operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The project will follow a Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model where the state government provides land and foundational infrastructure, while Rexzodeneh Group finances, constructs, and manages the complex for a 25-year period before ownership is transferred back to the state. This model is expected to promote private sector accountability while protecting public interest.
Mr. Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), who oversaw the investment process, highlighted the comprehensive due diligence undertaken prior to the signing. This included technical appraisals, regulatory clearances, and financial verifications to confirm the project’s credibility and funding capacity.
“This is a groundbreaking moment for Benue. The agreement is the result of months of thorough groundwork and marks a new era for credible public-private collaborations in the state,” Kpenkaan said. “It sets a high standard for future investor engagements and aligns perfectly with Governor Alia’s vision for economic growth.”
Engr. Femi Apata, Group Managing Director of Rexzodeneh Group, expressed gratitude for the government’s unwavering support. He assured stakeholders that visible progress would be achieved within 90 days, reaffirming the group’s commitment to transforming Benue’s agricultural landscape through innovation and sustainable practices.
“This project has been under development for three years. Now, with this PPP agreement, we have the platform to deliver lasting impact across agriculture, energy, and employment sectors in Benue State,” Apata noted.
Hon. Kennedy Angbo, representing Otukpo/Akpa Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, hailed the project as a game-changer for the local economy. He pledged the host community’s full support, emphasizing the promise of food security, job creation, and enhanced livelihood opportunities.
Commissioners Omale Omale (Power, Renewable Energy and Transport) and Manasseh Alumo Orpin (Industry, Trade and Investment) lauded the project for its alignment with the government’s broader development priorities, reaffirming its potential to accelerate economic inclusion and stability in the state.
The signing of this PPP agreement between the Benue State Government and Rexzodeneh Group for the National Food City Project represents a transformative step toward agricultural industrialization and sustainable development in Benue. By fostering public-private collaboration, the initiative is set to enhance food security, generate employment, and drive rural prosperity—fundamental pillars for the state’s economic future.
With a strategic focus on mechanized farming, agro-processing, and renewable energy integration, the National Food City Complex stands as a flagship project that could inspire similar investments across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.