The Benue State Government has commenced efforts to revive the moribund Taraku Mills factory in Gwer East Local Government Area through a partnership with Egyptian engineers.
The Punch reported that the initiative is being coordinated by the Benue Investment and Property Company, with its Managing Director, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, overseeing plans to restore the facility and return it to full-scale production.
As part of preparations for the reopening, a team of engineers from Al Wadi Al Akhdar Oil Mills in Cairo, Egypt, led by Saleh Mansury, inspected the facility on Monday to assess its readiness and identify areas requiring attention.
Following the inspection, Mansury encouraged farmers across the state to increase the production of soybeans, groundnuts and maize, which he identified as major raw materials needed for the factory’s operations.
He expressed satisfaction with the condition of the facility, estimating that it was about 75 per cent ready for full production.
He, however, said some sections required minor upgrades to meet modern operational standards.
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.
He added, “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.”
The Egyptian engineer identified the boiler and solvent machine as the major areas requiring upgrades, explaining that improvements in those sections would boost efficiency while cutting energy consumption.
Another engineer, James Emmanuel, agreed with Mansury’s assessment, describing the factory as being in good condition and capable of efficient operation.
Emmanuel said the completion of the necessary upgrades, particularly to the boiler and solvent sections, would enable the facility to operate at full capacity.
The inspection forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to revitalise Taraku Mills, improve its production capacity and establish a timeline for the resumption of full-scale operations.
