Bauchi cement plant will boost economy – Commissioner

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Ministry of Natural Resources, Muhammad Maiwada has assured stakeholders in the state that the cement factory to be constructed in Gwana, Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state is a strategic move that will transform the state’s economy.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH on the sideline of signing a memorandum of understanding with the Resident Cement Company and its Korean partners to establish a cement plant with an annual capacity of 10 million tons, Maiwada noted that the development is a foresight and determination to bring lasting economic change and position the state to attract high-value investments that promise to secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

According to him, “Valued at approximately $1.5 billion, the cement factory is set to be a landmark project with far-reaching benefits across several sectors.

“The plant is projected to operate for up to 100 years, becoming a lasting pillar of economic development for Bauchi State.

“This initiative is expected to inject new momentum into the state’s economy, create substantial job opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

“One of the most significant benefits of the cement factory is the creation of employment opportunities.

“The project will employ over 10,000 skilled and unskilled youths across Bauchi State’s geopolitical zones, addressing unemployment and providing career opportunities for local residents.

“Plans for the factory include a dedicated 250-unit housing estate for staff and a massive trailer park capable of accommodating over 3,000 trucks.”

He maintained that “A 150-megawatt (MW) power plant, powered by coal and gas, will meet the plant’s energy needs and enhance the regional power supply.

“These infrastructure improvements will not only support the factory’s operations but also contribute to overall development in Bauchi.

“The economic growth anticipated from the cement factory is monumental. With an annual production capacity of 10 million tons, the factory is expected to fuel numerous construction and infrastructure projects within and beyond Bauchi, spurring growth and creating a ripple effect throughout the regional economy.

“Furthermore, the project includes provisions for education and capacity building, as scholarships will be provided for citizens to study abroad, cultivating a skilled workforce that will sustain and grow the industry in Bauchi,” the commissioner explained.

Bello emphasised that the cement plant project will be entirely funded by investors.

“This investor-driven funding model ensures that the project will proceed smoothly without placing a financial burden on the state,” he stressed.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the cement factory project follows a series of engagements between Bauchi state officials and Resident Cement Company representatives, who visited the state between May and June 2024.

The MoU was signed on July 7, 2024.

Preliminary activities, including geophysical exploration, are underway and expected to last three months, laying a strong foundation for the project’s success.