Benue Govt To Launch Beer Brand To Tackle Unemployment Rate

…Says alcoholic consumption in Benue ranges from 850 to 870 million per month

The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) on Tuesday said it has concluded plans to launch its beer brand in December 2024.

The Managing Director (MD/CEO), Dr Raymond Asemakaha disclosed this to newsmen shortly after a tour of the proposed brewery site, water and bakery factories in Makurdi.

He said, “When we came in, we understand that basically, the alcoholic consumption in Benue is between the range of 850 to 870 million per month, so we understand that the people that are selling this beer are taking out money and we said no, we can float a new company that we can be able to absorb retain the cash within the system”.

Dr Asemakaha said the company was out to give Benue and Nigerians high premium quality beer that is made in Benue using fresh raw materials.

He maintained that BIPC was not in competition with any brewery company therefore would do her best to ensure that people of the state enjoy a beer with a difference.

According to him, the decision of the company was to ensure that such funds were no longer taken out of the state but rather retained within to boost the state economy.

The BIPC helmsman said the establishment of the brewery would cost the company over N800m, adding that shares would be open for Benue indigenes to subscribe.

He said a total of 23 shares was reserved for the 23 local government areas of the state to subscribe to one per cent each.

Dr Asemakaha said that from inception, the company would be producing 180,000 bottles per day stressing that fermentation alone takes 15 days.

He said the company has planned adequately for the raw materials needed for the production of its beer.

On the Water and Bakery factories, Dr Asemakaha said the two companies which are situated within the same premises at Tse Ayu, Along George Akume Way would cost the sum of N220m to complete.

He said the companies would be completed and commissioned on May 27th.

He said the water factory from the start would be producing 3000 water bottles within an hour and 9000 per day and would increase as the demand increases.

Also, the Head, Business Development and Strategy, at BIPC, Mrs Theresa Abeda said all they do is identify and recommend businesses of interest which would bring development and improved revenue for consideration.

Mrs Abeda said the department has good manpower to always deliver on their given mandate.