Nigeria is on course to consolidate its dominance of the cement market in Africa with the signing of an agreement for the MSM Cement Ltd’s Kebbi Cement Plant.
The Nigerian cement market is forecast to increase to US$ 3.89 billion by 2028.
The plant, a $3 million tonne-per-annum facility will enhance the country’s industrial growth when operational, and the signing ceremony marks a crucial step toward industrial expansion, with groundbreaking and construction set to follow soon.
The project is expected to create 20,000 direct and 25,000 indirect jobs, and it is strategically positioned near the country’s border, enhancing export potential under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, at the signing ceremony highlighted the plant as a model of private-sector-driven investment that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for economic stability, job creation, and poverty reduction.
He said the project would not only boost economic growth but also create lasting opportunities for the people of Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole,
reinforcing the country’s push for economic growth and regional trade.
The governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris called the project a historic milestone, emphasising its transformative impact on employment, particularly for youth and women, and also commended the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure development in the state.
Also present at the event were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, and the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, alongside other dignitaries.
Nigeria’s cement production capacity has increased significantly, paving the way for the country to meet its domestic demand and export cement.
The Nigerian government has declared that the country has achieved self-sufficiency in cement production, meaning it can now produce enough cement to meet its domestic needs.
The country is not only self-sufficient but also an exporter of cement, supplying neighboring countries.
Key players like Dangote Cement and BUA Cement have invested significantly in cement production, contributing to Nigeria’s self-sufficiency.
When it commenced operations, MSM Cement Ltd’s Kebbi Cement Plant would join the league of
Dangote Cement, a leading cement producer in Africa, that has played a significant role in eliminating Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement.
BUA Cement has also made significant investments in cement production, further solidifying Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in this sector.
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