Sokoto Cement Company earmarks N 48 bn. for expansion project

The Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCCN), on Tuesday said it would inject N48 billion into the ongoing modernisation of its facilities meant to double its production capacity.

Managing Director of the company, Alf Karlsen disclosed this in Wamakko, Sokoto State while distributing 2,600 bags of cement worth N6 million to 60 communities, as part of the firm’s corporate social responsibilty.

Karlsen, who was represented by Mr Sada Suleiman, Head of Corporate Affairs, said that the project would raise the company’s output by 200 per cent.

He said that when completed, the company would have the capacity to produce 1.5 million metric tonnes of cement annually.

”The expansion is part of the ongoing modernization and cost optimization programme.

” It is aimed at reducing average cost and enhancing production capacity with a view to ensuring that CCNN remained competitive in the cement industry.

” The increase in installed capacity would enable the company to maintain its current market share and expand into new markets,” he added.

Karlsen also disclosed that the firm had completed the process acquiring new mining areas to expand its quarry activities.

He explained that the company’s expansion project had led to the relocation of Sabon-Gida, Danatu and Gidan Mubaga villages “to a fully developed new settlement provided by the firm.

“CNN provided the land for resettlement, constructed access roads, provided electricity, mechanised borehole with reticulation, as welll as built a community mosque, clinic, primary and Islamiyya schools, among others.

” All these were done to ensure that , there is an improved life for the communities as part of our corporate social responsibilities,” he added.

Karlsen commended Sokoto State Government, Wamakko local council and the host communities for their sustained support to the 55-year-old firm, which is also known as Sokoto Cement.

Responding on behalf of the communities, Ahmed Kalambaina, Caretaker Chairman of the local government, commended the company for executing several projects which had impacted positively the living standard of its host communities.

Kalambaina however called on the firm to do more in the area of education and permanent employment, to encourage youths in the area to acquire education.

NAN