….Visits Moribund Nigercem Plant
By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has disclosed plans by the Ebonyi State Government to establish a new cement factory in Nkalagu, Ishielu Local Government Area, as part of efforts to revive industrial activities in the area.
The governor made the disclosure during an inspection visit to the moribund Nigercem cement plant in Nkalagu alongside a team of Chinese contractors and technical partners.
Nwifuru explained that challenges associated with the reactivation of the old Nigercem facility informed the government’s decision to pursue the establishment of a new cement factory.
According to him, preliminary assessments revealed substantial limestone deposits in Nkalagu and Effium that could support cement production for several decades.
“We have 50 million tonnes of limestone in Nkalagu and 23 million tonnes in Effium. Combined, these deposits can sustain the factory for a minimum of 30 years,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism that the proposed factory would boost industrial development, create employment opportunities and increase the availability of cement and other building materials.
He said the project forms part of his administration’s industrialisation agenda under the People’s Charter of Needs programme.
“This is one of the projects we believe must be executed as part of our development agenda,” Nwifuru stated.
He noted that the delegation included manufacturers, designers, builders and contractors who visited the site to assess the available limestone deposits and other requirements for the project.
The governor emphasized that the initiative is aimed at promoting economic development and industrial growth in the state.
He further disclosed that the foreign technical partners had assured the government of their commitment to completing the project within the agreed timeline.
“We have been assured by them of the timely completion of this project,” he said.
Nwifuru also commended stakeholders who have shown interest in the development of the Nkalagu industrial corridor, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo, whom he praised for supporting efforts geared toward the revival of industrial activities in the area.
The Ebonyi State Government had earmarked N150 billion in its 2026 budget for the establishment of the proposed cement factory.
