Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has inaugurated a 15-member committee tasked with reactivating the long-dormant Nigerian Cement Company (NIGERCEM) located in Nkalagu. The announcement was made on Monday during a public event in Abakaliki.
NIGERCEM holds historical significance as Nigeria’s first indigenous cement manufacturing company but has remained non-operational for decades. Governor Nwifuru emphasized that the committee’s formation aligns with his campaign promise to revive the facility within his first term in office.
The committee comprises prominent individuals including Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, Prof. Adline Idike, Mr. Iduma Igariwey, Prof. Ben Odoh, Mr. Sunday Eze, and Senators Chris Nwankwo, Ken Eze, Antony Ani, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, and Sonni Ogbuoji. Others named are Mr. Elias Mbam, Mr. Roy Umahi (SAN), Senator Obinna Ogba, Senator Silvanus Ngiji-Ngele, and Chief Ben Okah.
Governor Nwifuru charged the committee to collaborate with the major investors and shareholders of the company to develop actionable plans for restarting operations. He directed the members to submit their report within two weeks, detailing the strategies and modalities needed to restore the plant to full functionality.
“This initiative is not just about economic revitalization,” the governor noted, “but a fulfillment of a pledge I made to the people of Nkalagu to bring back NIGERCEM during my first tenure.”
