The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has commenced the sale of its locally brewed Zeva Premium Beer and Oyi Bitters, with a projection to generate over 1,000 direct jobs once its permanent brewery becomes fully operational
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, made this announcement on Wednesday during the distribution of the second batch of the locally brewed beverages to vendors in Makurdi.
Boosting Local Production and Employment
Dr. Asemakaha disclosed that the construction of the brewery’s permanent site is expected to be completed by mid-2025, a move aimed at reducing capital flight and boosting Benue’s economy.
“Beer consumption in Benue is estimated at over N1 billion monthly,” he said. “Our goal is to retain that revenue within the state by producing quality beer locally, thereby increasing Benue’s GDP and creating more job opportunities.”
He further explained that once production begins at full capacity, the brewery will provide 1,000 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect employment opportunities, particularly for youths in the state.
Strategic Market Expansion and Economic Growth
BIPC is implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy to boost sales and create demand for Zeva Premium Beer and Oyi Bitters. Asemakaha noted that the initiative will not only benefit local vendors but also contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth in Benue.
“By keeping money within the state and supporting local businesses, BIPC is committed to fostering economic development and prosperity for Benue State,” he added.
Zeva Premium Beer Among Top Brands in Nigeria
Speaking at the launch event, the Managing Director of ZEVA Premium Lager Beer, Mr. Adoje Emmanuel, highlighted the beer’s unique composition, which includes malt, cassava, sorghum, and barley, giving it distinct medicinal properties.
He revealed that Zeva Premium Beer had undergone rigorous certification and testing, ranking second in quality among premium beer brands in Nigeria.
“In our beer testing and certificate of analysis, Zeva ranked second, ahead of Budweiser and just behind Heineken,” Emmanuel stated. “This analysis confirms Zeva as one of the top-rated ‘Class A’ beers in Nigeria.”
As part of its market strategy, the brewery has decided to sell Zeva Premium Beer exclusively in cans to prevent competitors from crushing its bottles in the market.
With the full completion of the brewery site expected between June and July 2025, BIPC and Zeva Beer producers are gathering consumer feedback to further refine the beer’s taste and improve its market acceptance.
This initiative marks a significant step in Benue’s economic development, positioning the state as a key player in Nigeria’s growing brewery industry.
