BENUE TO MAKE NIGERIA GLOBAL LEADER IN SOYABEAN PRODUCTION 

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CBN

By Isaac Uzaan

 

Benue State is set to make Nigeria a global leader in soyabean production.

 

CBN

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia made this known Tuesday, July 22, 2025 while delivering a speech at the Official Launch of the National Soyabean Production Expansion Policy and Strategy held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

 

Governor Alia said Benue State is an integral part of the National Soybean Expansion Strategy which is designed 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 powerhouse in global agriculture.

 

He said Benue has set benchmarks for excellence cultivating a substantial share of Nigeria’s 780,000 hectares of soybeans and producing a significant portion of the nation’s 758,000 metric tons annually, promising that the greatest achievements were still ahead.

 

“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 submitted.

 

He added that, through the Benue Agricultural Development Company and partnerships, the state is deploying extension officers and introducing mechanization clusters to 15 producing LGAs, training farmers in best practices, and climate-smart agriculture.

 

“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 added.

 

He called on the Federal Government, development partners, private sector investors, and every stakeholder to join hands and make soybeans a golden crop for the nation, adding that together, they would make Nigeria a global leader in soybean production and ensure lasting prosperity for every community.

 

Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari acknowledged the importance of soyabean production in the nation’s agriculture value chain, pointing out its economic and nutritional relevance, and called on commissioners for agriculture across the nation to live the soyabean initiative with vision and determination and work hand-in-hand with farmers, investors, and processors to achieve the target.

 

He commended the Governor of Benue State Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his bold leadership and ability to coordinate efforts effectively in Benue State towards achieving the required goals.

 

A session of goodwill messages from partners and stakeholders in the soyabean production value chain was observed, including the Chairman, Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria (FoSIPAN)/Executive Secretary, Benue Investment Promotion Agency, Kpenkaan Terhemen Johnpaul who said state investment promotion agencies across Nigeria will work closely with the Federal Government, development partners, and private investors to de-risk sub-national agribusiness projects, attract capital, and create sustainable value chains.

 

The event also witnessed presentation of the 7 pillars of Soyabean Production Strategy and Unveiling of the National Soyabean Production Policy and Strategy.

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