Cement major Lafarge is supporting Ashaka Cement Plc’s fast-track expansion of its US$617mn cement plant at Gombe State in Nigeria
Ashaka Cement Plc officials have confirmed that Lafarge Group is keen on expanding the Gombe State project in order to enhance job creation in Nigeria.
Guillaume Roux, CEO of Lafarge Nigeria and Benin Republic, had said that the investment of US$617mn in Nigeria was a demonstration of its commitment to the economic growth of the country.
Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, chairman of the board of Ashaka Cement Plc, added, ”Having secured sufficient limestone and coal reserves to support the plant, contracts have been signed with the main equipment and engineering suppliers.”
In addition, the company has secured credit facilities worth US$308mn for the cement plant, and generated cash flows internally. To ensure timely delivery of the project, a detailed design of the equipment and mobilisation of materials have also commenced, the chairman added.
Lafarge officials stated that the company has also committed to deploying global expertise in procuring and constructing the cement plant at the earliest.
