Agency pledges state-level partnership to boost Nigeria’s soybean production in Benue North, aims to double output
Nigeria
Dooyum Naadzenga
At the Official Launch of the National Soybean Expansion Programme, a powerful commitment was made by the Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria (FoSIPAN) to harness the strength of state-level agencies to transform Nigeria’s soybean sector.
This ambitious effort is more than a call for increased agricultural productivity; it represents a nationwide drive to unlock economic potential, create jobs, and build sustainable agro-industrial ecosystems. FoSIPAN’s engagement signals a new era of cooperation between states and the federal government, aimed at elevating Nigeria’s position as a major soybean producer and processor in Africa.
Speaking at the launch event, the Executive Secretary of FoSIPAN and the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (benipa) underscored the critical role state agencies will play in this endeavour. He highlighted the need for a coordinated approach that leverages local knowledge, infrastructure, and investor relations to complement federal initiatives. “We are not just looking at increasing yields; we seek to build a robust value chain that delivers lasting economic growth for every stakeholder,” he stressed. By mobilising state-level investment promotion agencies, FoSIPAN aims to bridge gaps in financing, technical support, and market access critical to growing the soybean sector.
Benue State stands at the forefront of this transformation with a bold, measurable target: doubling soybean production from 202,000 tons to at least 400,000 tons within three years. This goal is supported by well-planned strategic investments and an enabling environment for farmers and agribusinesses. Particularly noteworthy is the development of the National Food City Complex in Ogyoma, a $250 million public-private partnership (PPP) project covering 30,000 hectares. Designed as an agro-industrial hub, this facility will provide critical infrastructure including processing plants, storage, and logistics, enabling producers to increase productivity and enter new markets.
This initiative transcends simple agricultural expansion. It embeds a focus on socio-economic development by creating sustainable employment opportunities, especially for women and youth. By empowering these groups, the programme seeks to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges of unemployment and rural poverty. Agri-processing, enhanced by modern value addition, will stimulate demand for raw soybeans and generate downstream industries, further amplifying the programme’s impact. It also aims to attract domestic and foreign investors by showcasing viable business prospects in Nigeria’s subnational economies.
FoSIPAN’s readiness to work closely with the Federal Government, development finance institutions (DFIs), and private sector partners is critical for turning strategy into action. Through these partnerships, FoSIPAN will ensure that innovative financing solutions, capacity building, and technology adoption are accessible to all states. This approach anticipates that each state will adapt the national framework to its unique agricultural landscape and investment climate, fostering a broad-based growth model. The initiative is therefore a strong testament to Nigeria’s commitment to agricultural transformation and economic diversification underpinned by local leadership.
In conclusion, the National Soybean Expansion Programme presents a landmark opportunity for Nigeria to harness its agricultural resources and human capital to build a resilient and prosperous agro-industrial sector. With FoSIPAN’s coordinated efforts and Benue’s ambitious production targets, the country is poised to become a leading player in soybean production and processing. The programme’s success will not only enhance food security but also promote inclusive economic growth, job creation, and investor confidence across Nigeria’s states, making this a true nationwide success story in agricultural development
