Siting Food City Project in Zone C proves inclusive governance – Gov Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has explained that the decision to site the multi-billion naira National Food City Project in the Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C), particularly in Otukpo Local Government Area, was intentional and aimed at ensuring fairness across all parts of the state.

He made this known during a Diaspora Townhall organised by the Benue State Directorate for Diaspora, Linkages and Investment Office on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor described the National Food City Project as a comprehensive agri-industrial hub. The initiative is expected to cover more than 30,000 hectares of mechanised farmland and include agro-processing facilities for crops such as rice, cassava, maize, and soybeans.

Alia noted that placing the project in Benue South underscores his commitment to governing inclusively, stressing that his administration has consistently ensured balanced distribution of resources across the state since assuming office.

Responding to concerns about uneven project allocation, the governor said the Food City initiative aligns with his government’s broader agenda to industrialise agriculture, strengthen food security, and drive rural economic growth through private sector participation and innovation.

“It will be deploying renewable energy infrastructure with a generation capacity of up to 25 megawatts to power on-site operations, with Complementary infrastructure, including staff housing, clinics, internal roads, and warehouse facilities to ensure the development’s sustainability and long-term impact”, he explained.

He further stated that the Food City Complex would be executed under a Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model. Under this arrangement, the state government will provide land and essential infrastructure, while Rexzodeneh Group Limited (RGL) will finance, construct, and manage the project for 25 years before handing it over to the state.

“It was a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Rexzodeneh Group Limited (RGL) to establish a multi-sectoral National Food City Complex.

The agreement marked the first formal PPP agreement in the State’s 50-year history and a major milestone under my administration,” he stressed.

Highlighting other developments in Zone C, Alia revealed that the longest road projects executed under his leadership are located within the zone.

He listed key road projects to include the 43.5km Obagaji–Okokolo–Agagbe road, the 31.35km Igumale–Agila road, and the 52km Awajir–Oju road, adding that construction of inner roads in Otukpo town will soon commence.

The governor also said the Otukpo/Otobi waterworks have been fully rehabilitated and expanded to improve water supply in the area.

In the health sector, he disclosed that 89 Primary Health Care Centres are undergoing renovation statewide, with 33 of them situated in Benue South.

On education, Alia said 29 primary schools across the nine local government areas in the zone have been rebuilt or upgraded. He added that five schools LGEA Primary School, Edumoga, Okpokwu; LGEA Primary School, Agatu; Methodist Primary School, Okeke, Ohimini; LGEA Primary School, Ajide Eke; and St. Mary’s Pilot Primary School, Ogobia, Ogboju in Otukpo LGA  have been captured under the 2025 Matching Grant programme.