By Ken Kene, Makurdi.

Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, BIPCoL, has commenced a comprehensive asset audit of the moribund Taraku Mills Limited as part of moves to revive the abandoned agro-processing plant and create jobs for residents.

The Group Managing Director of BIPCoL, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, led a team of engineers and officials from the State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment on Friday, June 19, to inspect the facility at Taraku, Gwer-East Local Government Area.

Speaking to journalists after the tour, Dr. Asemakaha said the audit was aimed at assessing the condition of machinery, factory structures, and production equipment after years of inactivity.

“What we have seen here is encouraging because the machines need no refurbishment, the core infrastructure is still intact. This gives us a solid base to work out modalities to run dry tests on the plant and commence full operation soon,” he said.

Dr. Asemakaha noted that the Golden Soy Oil and agro-allied processing company, located at kilometre 84 along the Makurdi-Enugu Road, is valued at over N50 billion. He said the revitalisation aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s vision to stimulate industrial growth, create jobs, and boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.

Maintenance Officer of Taraku Mills, Engr. James Terngu Ikuve, disclosed that the maize and feed mill division has the capacity to produce 120,000 metric tonnes annually, while the oil mill division can process up to 320,000 metric tonnes per day.

He added that operations ceased in 2013 under Growrich Resort Limited, after the plant had attained about 75 percent production capacity.

The BIPCoL GMD commended the host community for safeguarding the facility, noting that no component had been vandalised despite the prolonged shutdown.

“I sincerely appreciate the host community for protecting the plant. Despite having over N2 billion worth of spare parts on site, nothing was stolen. This level of commitment demonstrates the community’s desire to see the factory return to operation,” he said.

As part of the visit, Dr. Asemakaha also offset five months of outstanding allowances owed to security personnel attached to the plant.

He stressed that reviving the mill would create a ready market for agricultural produce and improve farmers’ livelihoods through value addition and industrial processing.

Chairman of Gwer-East LGA, Mr. Adi Nyiakura, commended Governor Alia’s intervention through BIPCoL, describing it as a major step toward economic recovery and employment generation in the area. He pledged the support of the council and host communities for the rehabilitation and operation of the mill.

A community leader who witnessed the inspection said the plant’s shutdown years ago hurt the local economy and appealed to the government to prioritise the employment of indigenes when operations resume.

The planned revitalisation of Taraku Mills is expected to strengthen Benue’s agro-industrial sector, create hundreds of jobs, and provide sustainable opportunities for farmers and businesses across the state.