BENUE STATE GOVERNMENT SIGNS MOU WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR SIPC PROJECTS

opeolumartinFebruary 26, 202603 mins

Makurdi, Benue State – February 26, 2026

The Benue State Government has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government for the implementation of the Sustainable Integrated Productive Community (SIPC) programme, a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and increasing the viability of farming across the state.

The agreement was formalized when the Governor of Benue State, , led a high-powered delegation to the Federal Ministry of Finance. The Minister of State for Finance, , signed the documents on behalf of the Federal Government.

According to a statement issued by the Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, Dr. Uzoka-Anite explained that the SIPC programme is a Federal Government initiative designed to provide improved conditions for farmers to thrive. The project includes the provision of solar-powered housing, improved seedlings, fertilizers, herbicides, and structured off-taker arrangements to ensure farm produce is processed into secondary products, thereby adding value across the agricultural chain.

Benue State has been selected as one of the two pilot states for the programme, alongside . This selection underscores the state’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and its reputation as the “Food Basket of the Nation.”
Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the success of the programme, pledging to provide 100 hectares of land across the state for its implementation. He noted that the SIPC initiative aligns squarely with his vision of making farming more viable and attractive, while positioning Benue as the agricultural hub of Africa.

The SIPC programme is domiciled under the , which holds majority shares in the and is responsible for funding strategic investments.

The partnership is expected to stimulate rural development, create employment opportunities, boost food security, and strengthen agro-processing capabilities, marking a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.