E-Malt.com News article: Nigeria: Construction of Benue’s permanent brewery to be completed by the middle of this year

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, announced on March 26 that construction of the permanent site for the state’s brewery will be completed by the middle of this year, Tribune Online reported.

The company has already begun production of a beer named ‘ZEVA Premium Lager Beer,’ which was launched in december 2024.

During the commencement of sales for the second batch of Zeva Premium Beer and Oyi Bitters to vendors in Makurdi, Dr. Asemakaha stated that the company’s goals are to combat capital flight and enhance the GDP of Benue State through local beer production.

He noted that beer consumption in Benue State is currently estimated at over one billion naira monthly. With plans to commence production by the end of June at the permanent site, BIPC aims to create approximately one thousand direct jobs and over a thousand indirect jobs for the youth of Benue, thereby stimulating economic growth and positively impacting the community.

Additionally, Dr. Asemakaha mentioned that a strategic marketing plan, in collaboration with Oyi Bitters—which is produced and packaged by BIPC—is being implemented to enhance demand and value for the products. This strategy aims to benefit vendors and contribute to poverty reduction in the state.

He said, “By keeping money within the state and supporting local businesses, Benue Investment and Property Company hopes to usher in a new era of development and prosperity for Benue State”.

On his part, the Managing Director, ZEVA Premium Lager Beer, Mr. Adoje Emmanuel described the product as a unique recipe ranking second to Heineken as one of the leading brands among class “A” beer in the country.

Adoje said that the brand which is made from malt, cassava, sorghum, and barley, is not only made with high-quality ingredients but also has medicinal properties.

“In our beer testing and certificate of analysis that we have done, this beer came second to Heineken while Budweiser came third in ranking. The certificate of analysis when we checked all in parameters is correct and I can assure you that ZEVA is one of the leading brands among class “A” beer in the country”.

With the permanent site of the company set to be completed between June and July of this year, the producers of ZEVA beer aims to gather feedback from customers to improve its taste and marketability.

The Managing Director of ZEVA Brand Premium Lager Beer believed that feedback on the product had been positive, comparing it to top brands like Heineken and Budweiser in terms of quality, and that the packaging template is now ready for production.

“Feedback from consumers has been positive, with the beer being compared to top brands like Heineken and Budweiser by consumers in terms of quality, and with the packaging template now ready for production, the brand promises to maintain consistency in the market”.

“The beer will only be available in cans for now to avoid competitors crushing the bottles in the market. Despite this limitation, the beer offers high quality at a relatively cheaper price point,” he added.


27 March, 2025