Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, 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 meeting organised by the Benue State Directorate for Diaspora, Linkages and Investment Office on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor described the National Food City Project as a comprehensive agri-industrial hub.
He noted that it will cover more than 30,000 hectares of mechanised farmland and include agro-processing facilities for crops like rice, cassava, maize, and soybeans.
Addressing concerns about uneven distribution of projects, Alia said the location of the initiative in Benue South demonstrates his commitment to serving every part of the state.
He added that his administration has consistently ensured equitable allocation of resources since taking office.
He further stated that the project aligns with his government’s strategy to industrialise agriculture, strengthen food security, and promote rural development through private sector investment 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.
The governor also disclosed that the Food City Complex will 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 fund, construct, and operate the facility 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 projects in Zone C, Alia revealed that the longest single road project undertaken by his administration is located in 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 work on Otukpo inner-city roads will soon commence.
He also noted that the Otukpo/Otobi waterworks have been fully rehabilitated and expanded to serve residents within Otukpo and surrounding communities.
According to the governor, 89 Primary Health Care Centres are currently undergoing rehabilitation across the state, with 33 of them situated in Benue South.
In the education sector, he said 29 primary schools across the nine local government areas in the zone have been reconstructed or rehabilitated.
He added that five schools including 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 are included in the 2025 Matching Grant programme.
Locating National Food City in Benue South shows I’m fair to all zones – Alia
