The Executive Chairman, BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has said that the newly commissioned the 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum BUA Kalambaina cement plant, valued at N126 billion, will focused on catering for the catchment area of north western zone and the bordering countries of Niger and Benin Republic.
“We are looking at exporting between 500,000 to 700,000 tons annually, that is about 30 to 40 percent of the market depending on the season, Rabiu, REVEALED at the end of the Industrial Policy and Competiveness Advisory Council (Industrial Council), meeting presided over by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said 2,000 direct jobs and 10, 000 indirects jobs will be created.
” As you know during the dry season the demand for cement in Nigeria is very very high. So during the dry season we intend to produce and sell everything within Nigeria but during the rainy season when the demand is low we export substantial part of what we produce.”
This is even as he has said that during the rainy season the company will target to export between 500,000 and 700,000 to countries bordering the state.
“So we are actually very excited because as I keep saying these are the kinds of things we need to do using our local raw materials to develop our economy. So this plant is very unique, the location is very good because of its proximity to Niger Republic and Benin Republic which is only about 100 kilometers away from the border and that is going to generate a lot of foreign exchange for the country.
“In terms of the quality, we are able to produce about 55 mega pascal of cement and we are going to cater for the catchment area which is Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and all the way to Kano and other areas within the North western part of Nigeria.
“It is important to note that this is the single largest investment in the whole of north western part of the country and is generating over 2000 direct jobs and so we are very excited and we thank Mr. Vice President for making time to come and commission the plant.”
On exports target, Rabiu said, “It depends but we want to be able to cater for the market locally first before export. Even though at about $120 price it is quite tempting to export most of it, meaning that the price of cement in terms of export is higher than in Nigeria but we still believe that it is important for us to cater for the local market first.
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