Benue State partners Egyptian firm to revive dormant milling factory

Benue State is embarking on a significant initiative to revitalize its moribund milling industry through a partnership with Egyptian engineers to revive the Taraku Mills factory. The state government, represented by the Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, has initiated the process to bring the factory back to life.

A team of engineers from Al Wadi Al Akhdar Oil Mills in Cairo, Egypt, led by Saleh Mansury, recently conducted an inspection of the mills located in the Gwer East Local Government Area. Mansury reported that the factory is approximately 75% ready for full-scale production. He identified the boiler and solvent machine as key areas requiring upgrades to enhance operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption, aligning the facility with modern technological standards.

During the inspection, Mansury urged farmers in Benue State to intensify the cultivation of soybeans, groundnuts, and maize. He emphasized that these crops are crucial raw materials essential for the factory's operations. "I hope the farmers in Benue State will intensify the cultivation of soybeans, groundnuts and maize because the crops are essential raw materials required for the factory’s operations," he stated.

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We are prepared to move into full-scale production once the identified upgrades are completed.

Engineer James Emmanuel corroborated Mansury's assessment, confirming the factory's good condition and operational capability. He added that once the necessary upgrades, particularly in the boiler and solvent sections, are completed, the factory will be positioned to commence production at full capacity. The inspection is a key step in optimizing the mill's production capacity and establishing a timeline for the resumption of full-scale operations.

The revitalization of Taraku Mills is expected to boost the local agricultural sector, providing a ready market for farmers' produce and contributing to the state's economic development. The partnership with the Egyptian firm signals a commitment to leveraging international expertise to restore and enhance industrial capacity within Benue State.

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I hope the farmers in Benue State will intensify the cultivation of soybeans, groundnuts and maize because the crops are essential raw materials required for the factory’s operations.