Adamawa’s N200bn plant confirms Nigeria as African cement hub

The emergence of N200 billion Cement Plant with 4 million metric tonnes production capacity of at Guyuk in Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, will be confirming Nigeria as not only the limestone belt in West Africa, but also the African Cement Hub.

The cement plant, which is expected to boost internally-generated revenue of Adamawa State as the second State in North-East Nigeria with Cement Plant – Ashaka Cement Plant of Lafarge Africa PLC – to N460 billion, is an ambitious industrialisation agenda being promoted by Ishaku Abbo, an ex-Senator, representing Adamawa North.

Speaking on the Cement Plant Project, Abbo said that the cement project forms part of a broader economic blueprint aimed at transforming Adamawa and the wider Northern region into an industrial hub.

He added that the initiative would be preceded by the launch of a N200 billion fertiliser and agrochemical company within the State, projected to generate about 100 billion in annual after-tax profit

Providing details of the cement project, Abbo said the proposed plant would operate a 4 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) production line, translating to approximately 11,000 tonnes daily output. According to him, the facility is expected to generate annual revenue of about N260 billion revenue and profits estimated at N160 billion.

He dismissed concerns about insufficient raw materials, particularly limestone deposits, describing them as inaccurate.

Citing geological data, Abbo noted that several Local Government areas along the Benue, including Guyuk, Demsa, Numan, Lamurde, Shelleng, Girei, Yola, and Fofure, possess significant limestone reserves.

According to him, available records indicate that these deposits collectively exceed 80 million metric tonnes, approaching the 100 million metric tonnes benchmark typically required to sustain a large-scale cement factory.

He added that while primary mining operations would be concentrated in key locations, secondary sites across other LGAs would support production through coordinated supply logistics.

Abbo further emphasised his economic philosophy, describing himself as a “moderate socialist” who supports government participation in strategic industries alongside private-sector investment.

He explained that the proposed cement and fertiliser companies could jointly generate over N460 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR) annually, with combined profits exceeding N200 billion.

He said the projected revenues would be re-invested into infrastructure development and social welfare programme, significantly improving living standards across the State.

The Adamawa Governorship aspirant on the platform of African Democratic Congress (ADC), highlighted the employment potential of the projects, noting that thousands of jobs would be created, particularly for youths, while boosting agricultural productivity and supporting businesses throughout northern Nigeria.

On implementation, Abbo stated that the companies could be fully government-owned or structured as public-private partnerships, with strict safeguards against corruption.

He stressed his commitment to accountability, warning that any form of financial misconduct would be met with firm consequences.

Looking ahead, he hinted at additional plans to strengthen economic stability in the State, including proposals around electricity generation from the Kiri Dam, which he said would further support industrial growth.

He expressed confidence in the State’s economic future, stating that his vision extends beyond “cosmetics and optics” to deliver tangible, sustainable development.