A consortium of investors has unveiled plans to inject $2 billion into Benue State’s economy within the first year of a proposed 10-year development programme aimed at transforming the state from an agrarian base to an agro-industrial and technology-driven hub.

The investment, spearheaded by KAOTHEEM Energy Services in collaboration with TAICOP Capital Partners, would be expected to focus on agro-processing, artificial intelligence education, wealth creation and large-scale job opportunities.

Speaking at a strategic meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi, Chairman of KAOTHEEM Energy Services, Tom Iseghohi, said the consortium plans to invest $2 billion in the first year without requesting a sovereign guarantee from the Benue State Government.

He disclosed that the 10-year plan seeks to grow Benue’s Gross Domestic Product from an estimated $2 billion to $20 billion, increase per capita income to $5,000 and generate millions of jobs across key sectors of the economy.

According to him, strengthening agricultural value chains will unlock the state’s vast potential in crops such as yam, cassava, maize and soybean, which are currently underutilized due to limited processing capacity.

The proposed partnership, facilitated through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), includes plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence School at Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, alongside world-class agro-processing hubs and supporting infrastructure.

Representing Governor Hyacinth Alia at the meeting, Deputy Governor Sam Odeh described the initiative as a watershed moment for the state and announced the constitution of a technical committee to work with BIPC to ensure seamless implementation.

The Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, said the agreement marks a pivotal transition for Benue as it moves toward research-driven industrialisation.