The Benue State government-owned Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has announced that the rehabilitation of the moribund Taraku Mills has reached 83 percent completion. The company is currently conducting test-runs at the factory, with plans to proceed to commercial dry-runs and certification before a full market rollout between October and November. This development is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy.
According to BIPC, the Taraku Mills project has already registered 2,847 farmers in twelve local government areas of Benue state through its aggregation model. The company aims to create 1,500 direct jobs and over 5,000 indirect jobs for farmers, transporters, and distributors. The projected annual turnover is estimated to be N8.2 billion, with over $2.5 million saved annually on edible oil imports.
BIPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, stated that the company has employed 47 highly professional staff, including 18 engineers/technicians and 29 operators. The target at full capacity across all 10 product lines is 1,500 direct jobs. The total installed capacity at Taraku Mills is 200MT per day, with two soybean crushing lines of 50MT per day each already restored.
The company plans to start small and upscale gradually, with mechanical rehabilitation expected to be completed soon. A 5,000 KVA transformer on the industrial line in Taraku guarantees up to 16 hours of power when connected. The administration is also finalizing a dedicated 2-megawatt supply for Taraku Mills, which will further cut energy costs by another 22%.
To sustain 100MT per day, Benue needs about 18,000 hectares annually. BIPC is providing improved seeds for the next season and will establish 3 aggregation centres in Taraku, Gboko, and Otukpo with 3,000MT combined storage. This move aims to support local farmers and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the mill.
The Taraku Mills project is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, creating jobs and reducing reliance on imported edible oil. With its completion, the mill will also provide a market for local farmers, boosting agricultural productivity and income.
The successful completion of the Taraku Mills rehabilitation will mark a significant milestone for the Benue State government and BIPC. The project has the potential to transform the local economy and improve the livelihoods of thousands of people in the region.
Key points
- Taraku Mills rehabilitation nears completion, expected to create 1,500 direct jobs and boost local economy.
- Projected annual turnover estimated to be N8.2 billion, with over $2.5 million saved annually on edible oil imports.
- Mill to start operations between October and November, with plans to upscale production gradually.
