The Manager of Pure Bio-Tech Company Limited, Abdulkadir Mohammed, has called on the Benue State Government to create a more conducive business environment to attract private investment and expand industrial activities in the state. This appeal was made during a recent visit to the company's cassava-processing facility. Mohammed emphasized the importance of a favorable business climate for the growth of industries and job creation. Pure Bio-Tech's operations have already made a significant impact in the region.
Pure Bio-Tech currently sources cassava from eight states, including Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Taraba, Bauchi, and Cross River. Benue accounts for about 40% of the company's allocated supply arrangements and contributes as much as 65% of actual supplies. The company's demand for cassava has created opportunities for farmers, aggregators, and transporters across the cassava value chain. This has helped to stimulate economic activities in the region.
The company's factory has created a major industrial market for cassava, helping farmers who previously struggled to sell their produce. Before Pure Bio-Tech's intervention, dried cassava, locally known as kpor, sometimes attracted low prices, leading farmers to use it as firewood, manure for tree crops, and powdered material for marking football fields. The company's presence has transformed the character of the area and contributed to security in the region.
Pure Bio-Tech has introduced standard weighing scales for cassava purchases to provide a common basis for determining the quantity of produce traded by farmers and processors. The company has also employed several Benue indigenes in various areas, including safety management, human resources, accounting, legal services, and cassava supervision. Additionally, the company has made several interventions in the host community, including the provision of boreholes, electricity facilities, and a transformer.
The company has also supplied an armoured cable valued at N1.5 million and is constructing a school in the community. Pure Bio-Tech provides annual festive support to residents and has contributed to security in the area, which was previously affected by violent conflict. Soldiers are stationed around the company's frontage, while naval personnel provide security at the river end.
Mohammed acknowledged that the company faced regulatory challenges during its test-running phase in 2022 after water overflow occurred. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) subsequently shut the company temporarily in 2023. However, the company has since met regulatory requirements and obtained an Environmental Impact Assessment certificate.
Environmental consultants now conduct monthly tests on the company's waste, with reports submitted to NESREA. Mohammed denied allegations that suppliers pay bribes to secure supply slots, insisting that the company operates a transparent supply-allocation system. The company ensures transparency and fairness in supply allocation, maintains quality standards in its operations, and tries to meet its corporate social responsibilities to its host community.
Key points
- Pure Bio-Tech Company Limited seeks a conducive business environment in Benue State to expand industrial activities and create jobs.
- The company's operations have created opportunities for farmers, aggregators, and transporters across the cassava value chain.
- Pure Bio-Tech has introduced standard weighing scales for cassava purchases and has made several interventions in the host community.
