Benue partners Egyptian firm to revive milling industry

File: Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company, Dr Raymond Asemakaha

Benue State Government is partnering with Egyptian engineers to revive the moribund Taraku Mills factory in the state.

The state government, through the Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, announced the process of revitalising the company.

In preparation for the commencement of full-scale production, a team of engineers from Al Wadi Al Akhdar Oil Mills, Asher, Cairo, Egypt, led by Saleh Mansury, inspected the mills, located in the Gwer East Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

Speaking during the visit, Mansury urged farmers in the state to intensify the cultivation of soybeans, groundnuts and maize.

According to him, the crops are essential raw materials required for the operation of the factory.

While conducting an on-site assessment of the facility, Mansury expressed satisfaction with its current condition, rating its readiness for full production at approximately 75 per cent.

According to him, the firm required minor upgrades to some sections to bring its operations in line with modern technology.

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He identified the boiler and solvent machine as key areas requiring upgrades, adding that the improvements would enhance operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Mansury said, “We are prepared to move into full-scale production once the identified upgrades are completed,” adding that plans were also underway to introduce additional production lines, particularly for the production of cakes.

“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 said.

Also speaking, an engineer, James Emmanuel, corroborated the assessment, saying the factory was in good condition and capable of operating effectively.

Emmanuel noted that once the required upgrades, particularly in the boiler and solvent sections, were completed, the factory would be positioned to commence production at full capacity.

The inspection is part of the ongoing efforts to revitalise Taraku Mills, optimise its production capacity and determine the timeline for the commencement of full-scale operations.