Kebbi, company sign deal for 3 million-ton cement factory
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Kebbi State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSM Cement Ltd., to establish a three million tons per annum capacity cement factory in the state.
The MoU was signed by Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi and the Chairman of the company, Alhaji Mu’azzam Mairawani at the Kebbi Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja on Friday.
In his remark, the Gov. Idris assured of his government unwavering commitment to provide an enabling environment for the cement factory to fully take off and thrive in the state.
He said that the establishment of the cement factory in Kebbi was a privilege, adding that there were other places that wish to have “this kind of opportunity but they didn’t have it”.
“It is also very key and important to us because the Chairman of MSM group said they are going to provide direct and indirect jobs to about 45,000. So, this is not a small thing. Honestly you have added value to us as people of Kebbi.
“I want to assure you that Kebbi will do everything possible to ensure that we provide an enabling environment for you to operate.
“The Federal Government will benefit, the State Government will benefit, apart from the company, even our people will also benefit,” Governor Idris said.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the recent award of some road contracts in the state, most importantly the Koko-Dabai road.
Earlier, Alhaji Mu’azzam, the Chairman of MSM Cement said the event was a milestone not only to the company, but also the future of Nigeria’s cement industry and the economic landscape of Kebbi State.
He said that the cement factory in Kebbi will use latest technology and will rolled into the market with the brand name MSM Kebbi Cement.
“The decision is not only for the availability of limestone deposits in Kebbi, but for the welcoming attitude and business friendly reception of the people of Kebbi and most encouraging, the good heart of the Kebbi Governor.
“Today, we are not just signing a document but we are laying the foundation of transformative journey that would reshape the industrial and infrastructure framework of Kebbi and Nigeria at large,” he added.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said: “The factory, which is a huge investment by MSM group is expected to create 20,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs.
“Let me say here that also given the border location of Kebbi, it means that this plant will be well situated to take advantage of manufactured exports.
“It will also take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement that is facilitating exports of manufactured goods all over the continent of Africa.
“This type of investment; the public sector facilitating investment by the private sector, domestic private investment, foreign direct investment, is exactly the type of transaction, the type of outcome, the type of result that President Tinubu, has been working to bring to fruition.
“So, it is very much in line with his commitment, with his policy and his strategy to stabilise the economy, so that private sector investment can come in, invest, increase the productivity, grow the economy, create jobs and thereby reduce poverty.”
Also, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, commended Kebbi state governor for attracting g investments to the state.
The minister noted that investing in Nigeria wouldn’t have been possible if investors are not confident with the measures put in place by President Tinubu.
“The totality of the reforms that are undertaken by Mr President are reforms that ensure that we are not choosing winners. We have created a level playing ground so that entrepreneurs who are willing to compete, entrepreneurs who are willing to play in a rule-based environment that is evolving, are playing,” Atiku-Bagudu said.
NAN
