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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Government and Ibeto Cement Plc are bickering over the moribund eastern clement factory, Nigeria Cement company (NIGERCEM) located in Nkalagu, Ishielu Local Government Area.
NIGERCEM, established in 1957 with over 5,000 workers, collapsed 20 years ago when it stopped production. It was, however, acquired by the Ibeto Cement Company Ltd for revitalisation.
But since its acquisition over 10 years ago, the company has remained moribund. The state government accused the major shareholder of the company, Cletus Ibeto, of frustrating efforts to revitalize the factory.
Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia, told journalists in Abakaliki that the state government will not allow itself to be held to ransom by Ibeto cement company while pursuing industrial development.
The commissioner was responding to allegations by Nigercem host communities who accused the state government of being less enthusiastic about reviving NIGERCEM despite earlier efforts, including the setting up of a committee. The communities in a statement last week accused the state government of considering the establishment of a new cement factory in another location in the state instead of revitalizing Nigercem.
On the fate of Nigercem, Onyia said successive administrations have faced serious challenges, particularly due to ownership structure and lack of cooperation from the core investor.
“Had it been that the state government had total ownership of NIGERCEM, it would have been easier to move decisively.
“But the same individual holding major shares has consistently refused to make available critical information demanded by the government. Anytime the government shows seriousness, he mobilizes people from the area to work against the process.”
He added that several companies have shown interest in partnering to revive the cement plant but were discouraged by conditions imposed by the core investor.
Onyia further lamented the state of infrastructure at the Nigercem site, alleging that most of the equipment and assets have been vandalized or lost.
“To be honest, talking about revitalization now is almost the same as starting afresh. Even the existing infrastructure could not be protected.”
The commissioner stressed that while the government understands the emotional and economic attachment of the Nkalagu community to Nigercem, development decisions must be guided by economic realities.
“If it will cost N500 billion to revive Nigercem and N300 billion to establish a new cement factory elsewhere, which option would any rational government choose?” he asked.
On allegations by host communities that limestone deposits are exclusive to the Nigercem axis at Nkalagu and that the state plans to exploit those deposits for a new project elsewhere, Onyia dismissed such claims as misinformation.
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According to him, Ebonyi State is richly endowed with limestone deposits of bankable quality in several locations beyond Nkalagu.
“It is a total deceit for anyone to claim that limestone exists only in Nkalagu. We have viable limestone deposits in Ngbo in Ohaukwu, Inyaba, Umezoka in Ezzamgbo, Edomie Ishielu, Ebonyi LGA among others.
“Some of these locations have calcium oxide content of over 42 percent, which meets international standards for cement production.”
He explained that even when Nigercem was operational, limestone was sourced from areas outside Nkalagu, noting that pipelines were once laid from parts of Ngbo to the factory.
He emphasised that if the state eventually decides to site a new cement factory in another location, it would still be within its rights to legally source limestone from any licensed deposit, including Nkalagu, in line with federal mining laws.
On concerns about environmental degradation and abandoned mining pits in some communities, Onyia acknowledged the problem and blamed poor regulation in the past.
“Many mining companies entered communities through informal agreements without government involvement.
“Critical issues like reclamation were ignored. This administration is now paying attention to these concerns and ensuring that mining activities comply with the law.”
The Commissioner reiterated that the state government remains committed to industrialisation and sustainable mining, whether through revitalizing existing assets or creating new ones through public-private partnerships.
“Our goal is a cement factory that will serve Ebonyi people for 30 to 50 years. We are open to partnerships, but we will not allow sabotage to stall the progress of the state.”
Reacting to government’s allegations, major shareholder of the company, Chief Cletus Ibeto said he has good and solid intentions to revive the moribund company.
He described the 15-man committee set up by Governor Francis Nwifuru to revive the company as politicians who he said are pushing him to reveal his business secret to them which he refused.
“I have good and solid plans to revive Nigercem and by the grace of God it will happen this year.
“The politicians in the 15-man committee are pushing me to reveal my business secret to them by releasing my financial documents to them and I refused.
“I have and in possession of valid mining leases of NIGERCEM valid up to the year 2045 from the 2 Ministry of mineral & mining cadastral and I am resolute to develop and bring back NIGERCEM lost glory as it pleases God. No one can stop that,” he said
