Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development, Chidi Onyia, has announced plans to establish a Metallurgical Institute for mineral research and testing, aimed at boosting revenue and sustainable development. The state government has allocated ₦67 million to acquire mineral titles across its local governments, positioning itself to negotiate directly with investors. Onyia revealed discussions with Russian and Chinese firms interested in partnerships, particularly for cement production, leveraging Ebonyi’s vast limestone deposits—among Nigeria’s largest.
Onyia addressed challenges hindering the revival of the Nkalagu cement plant, citing legal complexities with major shareholder Ibeto Cement, but expressed optimism about resolving issues through partnerships. He emphasized the state’s insistence on local value addition, rejecting proposals to export raw salt from Uburu and Okposi deposits without on-site processing. “If you must benefit from our salt, establish a factory here—we won’t tolerate raw extraction for processing elsewhere,” he stated.
The commissioner outlined plans to domicile the Metallurgical Institute within a state university to ensure longevity and academic integration, avoiding reliance on political or bureaucratic cycles. The institute will conduct mineral testing and research, generating revenue while supporting Ebonyi’s ambition to become a hub for cement and salt production. Onyia noted that over 70% of Nigeria’s salt is imported, underscoring the urgency to develop domestic processing.
