We will manufacture cars, phones, tractors in Benue if I become governor — Andrew Aba

Governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress in Benue State, Engineer Andrew Aba, has unveiled an ambitious industrialisation agenda aimed at transforming the state into a major manufacturing hub, pledging that cars, mobile phones and tractors would be produced locally if elected governor in 2027.

Aba made the declaration during an appearance on The Conversation, a political interview programme aired on Edoma Television, where he outlined plans to shift Benue’s economy from heavy dependence on federal allocations to large-scale production and export-driven growth.

According to the governorship hopeful, industrialisation remains the fastest pathway to job creation, economic stability and sustainable development, stressing that Benue possesses the human and agricultural resources required to support manufacturing.

“We will manufacture cars, phones and tractors in Benue. The state cannot continue to depend on imports and monthly allocations when we have the capacity to produce,” he said.

He explained that his administration would prioritise the establishment of automobile assembly plants, agro-machinery production centres and technology hubs designed to empower young people and attract investors.

Aba noted that tractors manufactured within the state would support mechanised farming and boost agricultural productivity, describing agriculture and industry as inseparable drivers of economic growth.

He added that local phone assembly plants would create opportunities for skilled youths in engineering and technology while positioning Benue as a technology destination in North Central Nigeria.

The ADC aspirant further said his economic blueprint includes incentives for private investors, infrastructure upgrades and access to stable power supply to encourage industries to operate within the state.

“Our goal is to make Benue economically independent. After four years, the state should not rely solely on federal allocations to survive,” he said.

Aba also pledged to focus on youth empowerment, small business support and industrial clusters capable of generating thousands of jobs across the three senatorial districts.

He maintained that his vision goes beyond politics, insisting that Benue must move from being known only as the “Food Basket of the Nation” to becoming a centre for value addition and manufacturing excellence.