The Ebonyi State Government has commenced plans for the establishment of a new cement factory in Nkalagu as part of efforts to accelerate industrialisation, create jobs, and boost economic development in the state.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru disclosed this during an inspection tour of the former Nigerian Cement Company (NIGERCEM) site in Nkalagu alongside a delegation of Chinese contractors, manufacturers, designers, and builders.
The governor explained that persistent challenges and bottlenecks surrounding the reactivation of the old NIGERCEM plant informed the government’s decision to pursue the establishment of a new cement factory.
According to him, preliminary geological assessments revealed abundant limestone deposits capable of sustaining the proposed factory for over three decades.
“We have 50 million tonnes of limestone in Nkalagu and 23 million tonnes at Effium. When combined, these reserves will sustain the factory for a minimum of 30 years,” Governor Nwifuru stated.
He expressed optimism that the project would significantly reduce the cost of building materials while generating employment opportunities for residents of the state and the wider Southeast region.
The governor emphasized that the initiative is neither politically motivated nor driven by personal interests, but is a key component of the industrialisation agenda contained in his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs.
“As a responsive government committed to its social contract with the people, the establishment of this factory is not politically motivated, nor is it driven by opaque interests. It is part of the industrialisation component of the People’s Charter of Needs, and it is a project we are determined to execute,” he said.
Governor Nwifuru further noted that the visiting foreign partners were in the state to assess the limestone deposits and other critical requirements for the project.
“We came with manufacturers, designers, builders, and contractors. They will inspect the limestone deposits and other necessary resources for the successful execution of the project,” he added.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to transparency, the governor declared that neither he nor any individual would acquire shares in the proposed company upon completion.
“Upon completion of this project, no one will buy shares here, including my humble self,” he stated.
The governor also disclosed that the expatriate partners had assured the state government of the timely completion of the project, which he described as central to his administration’s industrialisation vision.
While commending leaders who have supported the state’s industrial development efforts, Governor Nwifuru particularly praised the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, for his sustained interest in the reactivation of the old NIGERCEM facility.
It will be recalled that the Ebonyi State Government earmarked ₦150 billion in the 2026 budget for the establishment of the new cement factory.
The proposed project is expected to strengthen Ebonyi’s position as a major industrial hub and cement-producing state in Nigeria.
