2027: Establishment of new cement factory by Nwifuru, not political, seeking for votes  – Okah insists 

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The Chairman of the Ebonyi State Elders Council, Chief Ben Okah, has stated that Governor Francis Nwifuru’s proposed plan to establish a new cement factory at Nkalagu is driven purely by economic development rather than political considerations.

Okah, who also heads the 15-member Committee on the Revitalisation of the moribund Nigeria Cement Company, NIGERCEM, in Nkalagu, made the remarks during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki.

He said the proposed cement factory is in fulfilment of Governor Nwifuru’s promise to the people of Ebonyi State and will create employment opportunities, stimulate industrial growth, and boost the state’s economy.

According to him, the committee recommended the establishment of a new cement factory at the NIGERCEM complex after reviewing the status of the existing facility.

He explained that the lease arrangement associated with the NIGERCEM site had expired and was subject to specific conditions, including community approval and proper utilisation of the land.

“The mining lease is for a period of three years. If somebody claims to have a mining lease, it has an expiration date and comes with conditions. 

“The community has to accept it. Even for renewal, the community has to add its signature,” he said.

Okah noted that the host community had become increasingly concerned over the prolonged abandonment of the facility, which has remained unused for many years despite its economic importance.

He said the Ebonyi State Government is determined to establish a modern cement factory at the NIGERCEM site, adding that the project will contribute significantly to the state’s economy through job creation and industrialisation.

“There is nothing political about it. The governor has his political base, but this project is not about politics. It is a promise made to the people, and it is an economic promise because it will benefit the state,” he stated.

He assured that work on the project would commence soon, adding that the government is committed to ensuring its timely completion by the Chinese contractors.

Okah explained that the new factory would be equipped with modern technology capable of meeting international standards.

He acknowledged that inadequate power supply remains a major challenge for industries in Nigeria but disclosed that the Nkalagu project has made adequate provisions to address the issue.

“The major challenge facing factories in Nigeria is power supply. However, the Nkalagu Cement project includes a dedicated power station. 

“The contract package provides for a five-megawatt gas-powered electricity plant to ensure uninterrupted operations,” he said.

He further explained that the project is structured under an arrangement in which the contractors will undertake the construction, transportation, site clearing, civil works, mechanical installations, and other essential components before handing over the completed factory to the Ebonyi State Government.

According to him, the contractors have assured the state government of the timely completion of the project in support of Governor Nwifuru’s industrialisation agenda.

Okah also disclosed that the abundant limestone deposits in Nkalagu and neighbouring Effium are sufficient to sustain cement production for decades, thereby restoring Ebonyi State’s position as a major industrial hub.

“We have 50 million tonnes of limestone in Nkalagu and 23 million tonnes in Effium. Combined, these deposits will sustain the factory for a minimum of 30 years,” he said.

He commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his commitment to reviving abandoned projects and promoting sustainable development across the state.

Okah maintained that the proposed new cement factory remains a strategic economic intervention that will benefit both present and future generations of Ebonyi people, and called on Ebonyi people to continue to support the governor for the realisation of the project.