Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has officially launched the drilling campaign of Resident Cement Company Ltd in Gwana District of Alkaleri LGA, Bauchi state.
Speaking at the occasion in Gwana, Governor Bala said the occasioned was part of his strategic vision to bolster industrial development in Bauchi State.
He said Government and Resident Cement strengthened the longstanding partnership between the Bauchi State Government and Resident Cement, a key player in Nigeria’s construction and manufacturing sectors.
Governor Bala said that the company reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a large-scale cement factory in the Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area.
“This ambitious project, valued at billions of naira, promises to significantly enhance our state’s economy by creating job opportunities, improving local infrastructure, and positioning Bauchi as a pivotal hub for cement production in Northern Nigeria.
“My administration remains steadfast in creating an investment-friendly environment, as I firmly believe that partnerships like this are essential to achieving our development objectives.
“I expressed my appreciation to Resident Cement for their confidence in Bauchi State and assured them of my government’s unwavering support to ensure the success of this landmark project.”
Governor Bala said when he assumed duty as Governor, he decided to follow up the suit of his predecessors,he looked at the feasibility studies carried out by an American company who intended to come an invest but they didnot come, he approached Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Isiaka Rabiu BUA , but they didnt show much interest from nowhere resident cement company approached him and explained their desire to invest 1.5billion dollars in cement factory.
He said the company will sale its 10 percent share to the government and 10 percent to the people of the area.
He awarded indigine certificate of the land to resident cement factory and also an indigene certificate of the state to the chairman of resident cement company.
Governor said that the cement factory would not only drive economic growth in Bauchi but also align with the national goals of industrialization and self-reliance.
He said This collaboration is a testament to the progress we can achieve through shared vision and commitment, and I am excited about the transformative impact this project will have on our state and its people,”
Governor pledged to provide adequate security and all the needed support that will help the company to succeed.
The Governor also hailed Resident Cement Company Ltd and other stakeholders for their confidence in the state, assuring them of a secure and enabling environment for their operations.
Muhammad assured that, “Your investment is safeguarded, and together, we will ensure mutual benefits for investors and the people of Bauchi.”
In his remarks, Dr. Abbas Waziri Junaid, Group Chairman of Resident Cement Company Ltd, commended Governor Bala Mohammed’s leadership in fostering public-private partnerships.
Dr. Junaid, used the occasion to, commended the leadership and vision of the Bauchi State Governor
He said The company is expected to produce 10 million tonnes of cement annually, will also construct a 100- 150 megawatt electricity plant, and a 3000 truck parking space, among other social amenities, to support the project, which will benefit not only the company but also the host community and the state at l
Junaid said The project will not only generate employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths but also stimulate economic growth and development in the North East region.He said within two to three months they will build offices and deploy more equipments ,they will also built 3000 trailer parks where trailers will park and load cement.He pledged to build airstrip where helicopter and choppers will land to ease movement of people
Engineer Michael Olawale Ogunbiyi, Director-General of the Kaduna-based National Steel Raw Material Exploration Agency, praised the collaboration, noting that Bauchi’s mineral exploration efforts align with national goals for economic diversification.
He stressed that, “This partnership exemplifies how states can leverage natural resources to reduce dependency on oil and empower communities.”
Member of the State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Dan and Alkaleri LGA Chairman Retired Major Hassan Garba Bajama stressed the importance of equitable resource distribution for grassroots development.
Earlier, Bauchi State Commissioner of Natural Resources Development, Muhammad Maiwada Bello, highlighted the drilling campaign as a critical milestone.
“Under Governor Muhammad’s vision, the solid minerals sector is now a cornerstone of our economy. This progress reflects our resolve to transform Bauchi into a hub of industrial growth and opportunity,” he concluded.
Traditional and political leaders, including the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu lauded the project’s potential to uplift rural communities.(www.krestnews.com).