The Benue State Government has stepped up efforts to revive Taraku Mills Limited, a major agro-processing facility that has remained inactive for more than a decade.
The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) said rehabilitation work has advanced to the testing stage, with dry-run operations expected to begin next week.
The development follows an asset inspection and audit conducted on June 19 by a BIPC delegation led by its Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha.
Speaking after the inspection, Asemakaha said “the visit was aimed at assessing the condition of the facility and determining the technical requirements needed to restore full operations.”
He described Taraku Mills as a strategic state-owned asset worth more than ₦50 billion (about $31 million), noting that the facility remains largely intact despite years of inactivity.
Revival project
According to him, “the revival project aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s industrialisation agenda, which focuses on job creation, economic growth and the restoration of dormant public enterprises.”
Engineers are expected to begin technical assessments and dry testing immediately to identify repairs and upgrades required before production resumes.
Asemakaha also praised the host community for protecting the facility during the shutdown period. He said critical infrastructure and spare parts valued at over ₦2 billion remained intact.
He added that reopening the mill would provide a reliable market for agricultural produce, boost value addition and improve incomes for farmers across the state.
As part of the inspection visit, BIPC settled five months of outstanding allowances owed to security personnel assigned to the facility.
Maintenance Officer, James Ikuve said “the maize and animal feed section has an annual production capacity of 120,000 pounds, while the oil mill can process up to 320,000 pounds daily.”
According to Ikuve, “the facility last operated in 2013 under Growrich Limited and had reached about 75 percent of its production capacity before shutting down.”
The Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Area, Adi Nyiakura welcomed the rehabilitation effort and pledged the support of local authorities and host communities.
The planned reopening of Taraku Mills is expected to strengthen Benue’s agro-industrial sector, create jobs and generate new economic opportunities for businesses and farmers.
