Nigeria can now produce 39.5MT of cement – FG

The Federal Government said on Tuesday that the country now had an installed capacity of producing 39.9 million metric tons of cement.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo said this at at the Line II Ground-Breaking ceremony of UNICEM  Cement Factory, Mfamosing, Calabar, Cross River State.

A statement by Sambo’s media aide, Umar Sani, said the President attributed the feat to government’s Backward Integration Policy.

The President said  the Backward Integration Policy in the cement industry was initiated by the Federal Government in 2002 to meet self sufficiency in cement production.

“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,” the President said.

He described the manufacturing industry as the backbone of the country’s growth emphasizing that government would continue to formulate policies that would galvanize the industry.

He promised that the challenges being faced by industries in Cross River State bythe 550MW Calabar power plant that the current administration would inaugurate soon.

“Government will continue to cooperate with the relevant agencies both public and private to champion meaningful projects and ensure steady progress in our communities,” he added.

In his remarks, the Governor of Cross River State, represented by his Deputy, Mr Efiok Cobham, said the state government would continue to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Earlier the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, speaking through the Minister of State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, said the performance of the cement industry was a testimony to the progress Nigeria was recording in industrial revolution.

PUNCH