Namadi Sambo Commissions N84 Billion UNICEM Cement Factory In Calabar

Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, today, commissioned the N84 Billion UNICEM Cement factory in Calabar, with a promise that the federal government would continue to encourage people in the private sector to help boost the nation’s economy. The project is expected to be completed in 2016 and would have its capacity increased from 2.5 million metric tons to 5 million metric tons.
Namadi Sambo, who performed the commissioning on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan was happy that the backward Integration Policy of the Jonathan government has now led to the attainment of 39.9 million metric tonnes of cement production in the country.
“From a paltry 2 million metric tonnes of cement hitherto produced locally per annum, by 2013 we have achieved 39.5 million metric tons of installed capacity.”
He described the manufacturing industry as the backbone of the country’s growth, assuring that government would continue to formulate policies that would galvanize the industry.
According to the Vice President in order to tackle the challenges being faced by industries in Cross River State, the 550mw Calabar Power plant would soon be commissioned, even as construction work would soon commence on the rail line leading to Calabar up to Obudu Ranch.
This, even, he said, besides the dredging of the Calabar River and the construction of a deep sea port at Ibaka among other infrastructural development that are ongoing.
He sought for cooperation among all stakeholders for the purpose of attaining some levels of progress.
“Government will continue to cooperate with the relevant agencies, both public and private, to champion meaningful projects and ensure steady progress in our communities.”
Namadi Sambo commended the management of UNICEM for keying into the Transformation Agenda of the government, adding that there is need for the company to carry the communities along, saying: “improving the lives of the people in these communities remains your greatest’ business asset.”
The Vice President asked the communities to cooperate with UNICEM which he said, is the only way the project could come to fruition by the 2016 as scheduled.
Speaking, the Governor of Cross River State, represented by his Deputy, Barrister Efiok Cobham, said that the state government would continue to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He commended President Jonathan for what he called “the people friendly polices” that have made the state a hub of industrialization, adding that the increased capacity would not only reduce the supply gap but would also reduce the market price of cement in the State.
Also, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, through the Minister of State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, said the performance of the cement industry is a testimony to the fact that Nigeria is moving in the right direction, in the area of Industrial Revolution plan.
The Chairman of UNICEM board, Mr. John Coumantaros, said the new line would cost the company N84 billion and due to be completed in 2016.
According to him, when completed, it would increase the capacity of the company from the current 2.5 million metric tons to 5 million metric tonnes and would provide millions of jobs, both directly and indirectly.
He called on the government to tackle multiple taxation, provide the necessary infrastructure in the power, and transport sectors, especially roads, water and rail.

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