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Benue Finalises Landmark $2bn PPP to Drive AI, Education and Agro-Industrialisation
The Benue State Government has finalised a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with KAOTHEEM Energy Services and TAICOP Capital Partners, facilitated by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC). The strategic partnership is designed to accelerate education, artificial intelligence (AI), agro-processing, wealth creation, and employment across the state.
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Central to the agreement is the establishment of a world-class Artificial Intelligence (AI) School at the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BSUAST), Ihugh, alongside modern agro-processing hubs for yam flour, tomato paste, and soybean value-chain expansion.
Government Hails Deal as Turning Point for Benue’s Economy
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Makurdi, Deputy Governor Sam Odeh, representing Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, described the agreement as a “turning point” for the state’s development trajectory. He announced the immediate constitution of a technical implementation committee and assured stakeholders that the administration is committed to delivering tangible outcomes beyond previous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
In a symbolic declaration highlighting Benue’s agro-industrial ambition, the deputy governor stated, “Today, we have given birth to Benue Rice.”
Shifting Benue from Agrarian to Industrial Economy
BIPC Group Managing Director, Raymond Asemakaha, said the partnership marks a decisive shift from a largely agrarian economy to an industrial and technology-driven one. According to him, the integration of AI, research, and innovation will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food security, and unlock export opportunities across Benue’s vast yam, cassava, maize, and soybean value chains.
He emphasised that Benue is deliberately seeking long-term strategic partners rather than short-term contractors, noting that the project is expected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in its initial phase.
$2bn Investment Targets Jobs, Income Growth and Infrastructure
Chairman of KAOTHEEM Energy Services, Tom Iseghohi, committed an initial $2 billion investment over a 10-year period, stressing that the funding comes without state guarantees. He disclosed that the initiative targets growing Benue’s GDP from about $2 billion to $20 billion, increasing per capita income to $5,000, creating millions of jobs, strengthening security, boosting internally generated revenue, and expanding technology infrastructure across the state.
Stakeholders Applaud University–Industry Alignment
Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Alumo Orpin, welcomed the timing of the investment, urging strong alignment between academic institutions and industry. Managing Director of Benagro, Peter Chiese, described the investors as ideal partners for unlocking Benue’s vast land and agricultural resources.
Similarly, Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service, Joseph Kwaghba, projected significant revenue and GDP growth. Academic leaders, including BSUAST Vice Chancellor Qrisstuberg Msughter Amua and University of Mkar VC Timothy Alabar, pledged strong collaboration to advance AI research, innovation, and talent development.
Digital Governance and AI at the Core of Benue’s Strategy
Under Governor Hyacinth Alia, Benue State is undergoing one of Nigeria’s most ambitious digital governance transformations. Key milestones include the establishment of a Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the creation of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), fibre-optic connectivity across 18 MDAs, training of over 40,000 civil servants in digital governance, and digital skills development for more than 10,000 youths.
The state has also launched multiple e-government platforms, rolled out hundreds of e-commerce hubs across local governments, enforced ICT standards through BENDISMEA, and entered strategic broadband partnerships with Huawei Technologies and Galaxy Backbone. Plans are also underway for BDIC-branded smart devices and a device assembly plant in Benue, reinforcing the state’s vision to merge AI, agriculture, and digital governance for inclusive economic growth.
