— Elizaxbleet Set to Invest in Benue
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have expressed interest in exploring strategic collaboration with the Benue State Government to unlock the vast potential of the State’s fisheries, aquaculture and emerging inland blue economy sector.
The development followed separate technical engagements between the two United Nations agencies and a delegation from the Benue State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy led by the Commissioner, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, at the United Nations House in Abuja.
During the engagement with FAO, discussions focused on developing Benue’s fisheries and aquaculture potential, particularly around the River Benue and other inland water systems across the State.
The five-man FAO team was led by the Nigerian Country Representative and West African Sub-region Director, Dr. Hussein Gadain.
The Honourable Commissioner highlighted critical areas requiring intervention, including inadequate fish production, limited processing and storage capacity, post-harvest losses, weak market linkages and the need to expand aquaculture enterprises.
Particular emphasis was placed on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women and young people, strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable management of fisheries resources.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia-led administration to strategic partnerships capable of strengthening food security, stimulating economic growth and improving livelihoods across Benue State.
The FAO team expressed willingness to sustain technical engagement with the Ministry and undertake a technical visit to Makurdi to assess opportunities and identify priority areas for possible intervention.
Similarly, UNIDO Director and Country Representative, Ambassador Philbert Johnson, expressed interest in collaborating with the State Government to move Benue beyond primary fish production by strengthening processing, preservation, enterprise development and value addition.
The Commissioner welcomed the interest, stressing the State Government’s determination to develop partnerships that would unlock the economic potential of its inland waterways and blue economy resources. UNIDO also indicated its readiness to undertake a technical visit to Makurdi.
Meanwhile, Elizaxbleet Nigeria Limited has expressed strong interest in investing in Benue’s emerging marine and blue economy sector.
Following a kick-off meeting with the Ministry in Abuja on August 11, 2026, the company is set to undertake a field assessment in Makurdi to identify commercially viable projects for development under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.
Priority areas include sand dredging and related manufacturing opportunities such as tiles and glass, fisheries and aquaculture value chains, tourism and riverfront ecosystems.
The engagements are expected to deepen technical partnerships and attract investment capable of transforming Benue’s blue economy into sustainable engines of growth, employment and improved livelihoods.
Signed:
Lubem Gena, FIIM
Head of Media, Publicity and Orientation
Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Benue State
