By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The management of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has intensified efforts to restore operations at the long abandoned Taraku Mills Limited, with rehabilitation activities and dry testing scheduled to commence next week.
The move follows an asset audit and inspection exercise carried out on Friday, June 19, 2026, by a BIPC delegation led by the Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, Asemakaha said the visit was aimed at evaluating the condition of the facility and identifying the technical requirements needed to return the plant to full production.
He described Taraku Mills as a strategic state asset valued at over N50 billion, noting that despite years of inactivity, the facility remains largely intact and retains strong potential to drive employment and economic growth in Benue State.
According to him, reviving the mill aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s industrialisation agenda, which prioritises job creation, economic expansion and the revitalisation of dormant public enterprises.
Asemakaha stressed that restoring operations at the plant would help unlock employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy through increased industrial activity.
He disclosed that engineers would immediately begin technical assessments and conduct dry-run tests to determine the repairs and upgrades required before production resumes.
The BIPC boss also commended the host community for safeguarding the facility over the years, noting that critical infrastructure and spare parts worth over N2 billion remained untouched despite the prolonged shutdown.
He added that the return of Taraku Mills would create a stable market for agricultural produce and improve farmers’ livelihoods through value addition and processing.
As part of the visit, the BIPC management settled five months of outstanding allowances owed to security personnel attached to the facility.
Providing operational details, Maintenance Officer of Taraku Mills, Engr. James Terngu Ikuve, said the maize and feed mill section has an annual production capacity of 120,000 pounds, while the oil mill division is capable of processing up to 320,000 pounds daily.
Ikuve revealed that the facility last operated in 2013 under Growrich Limited and had attained approximately 75 per cent production capacity before shutting down.
Also speaking during the inspection, Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Area, Hon. Adi Nyiakura, welcomed the intervention and pledged the support of the local government and host communities to ensure the successful rehabilitation and operation of the mill.
The planned revival of Taraku Mills is expected to boost Benue’s agro-industrial sector, generate employment opportunities and create sustainable economic benefits for farmers and businesses across the state.
