Date: 22 June, 2026
By Abraham Ovuoba
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced plans by his administration to establish a new cement factory in Nkalagu as part of efforts to accelerate industrialization, create jobs and boost economic growth in the state.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the NIGERCEM premises alongside a team of Chinese investors, contractors and technical experts, the governor explained that challenges surrounding the revival of the old NIGERCEM factory informed the decision to build a new cement plant.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru disclosed that geological assessments confirmed vast limestone deposits in Nkalagu and Effium, capable of sustaining cement production for decades.
“We have about 50 million tonnes of limestone in Nkalagu and another 23 million tonnes in Effium. Together, these deposits can sustain a cement factory for at least 30 years,” Nwifuru stated.
The governor expressed confidence that the project would not only generate thousands of employment opportunities but also help reduce the cost of cement and other building materials across Ebonyi State, the South-East region and Nigeria at large.
He stressed that the project is a key component of his administration’s industrialization agenda under the People’s Charter of Needs and should not be viewed through a political lens.
“This initiative is not politically motivated. It is driven by our commitment to industrial development and economic transformation. It is one of the critical projects we are determined to deliver for the people of Ebonyi State,” he said.
Gov Nwifuru further disclosed that the visiting team comprises manufacturers, designers, builders and contractors who are in the state to assess the limestone deposits and finalize plans for the project.
Reaffirming transparency in the execution of the project, the governor maintained that neither he nor any political office holder would acquire personal shares in the company upon completion.
He also revealed that the foreign partners have assured the state government of the timely delivery of the project.
The governor commended stakeholders who have continued to support the state’s industrialization drive and particularly praised the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for showing sustained interest in the reactivation of the old NIGERCEM facility.
It will be recalled that the Ebonyi State Government earmarked N150 billion in the 2026 budget for the establishment of the proposed cement factory.
