In a bid to revitalize its economy and attract new investments, the Benue State Government has announced a tax holiday package for interested investors. This gesture, aimed at creating a more business-friendly environment, was disclosed by Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, during a meeting with representatives of Nigerian Brewery in Makurdi.

Asemakaha urged the company to resume production at its plant located along Makurdi/Gboko road within 90 days, emphasizing the state government’s eagerness to see companies operating in the state return to full production. He highlighted the state’s wealth of raw materials, including sorghum, and its readily available workforce to support the brewery’s operations.

The state government has introduced a one-stop shop for ease of doing business and tax holidays to incentivize investors. Asemakaha lamented that Nigerian Brewery failed to utilize the backward integration that would have transformed Benue farmers, instead choosing Kaduna State despite the fertile land available for sorghum cultivation.

In response, Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager covering the East and Middle Belt for Nigerian Brewery, acknowledged the state’s efforts and expressed the company’s willingness to consider the incentives offered. However, she noted the challenges associated with immediate resumption of operations, stating that even routine maintenance can be time-consuming.

The state government’s move to offer tax holidays and create a more business-friendly environment is a significant step towards attracting investors and reviving the state’s economy. With its wealth of raw materials and readily available workforce, Benue State is poised to become an attractive destination for investors.