Kebbi, MSM Sign Cement Deal, 45,000 Jobs Expected

Kebbi State has taken a bold step towards industrial growth by signing an agreement between the state government and MSM Group of Companies to establish a modern cement plant.

According to the state government, the initiative, which is expected to generate 20,000 direct and 25,000 indirect jobs, marks a significant milestone in the state’s economic development.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Friday, Governor Nasir Idris expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, calling the event “historic” for Kebbi.

He emphasised the project’s impact on job creation, stating that the cement plant would significantly reduce unemployment among youths and women.

“This is a privilege for Kebbi State. Many other states do not have such an opportunity. We will provide all necessary support to ensure the success of this investment because it will benefit the federal government, state government, and our people,” Idris said.

The chairman of MSM Group, Muazzam Mairawani, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to building a state-of-the-art cement plant in Kebbi, leveraging advanced technology and abundant limestone deposits.

He attributed the company’s decision to invest in the state to Governor Idris’s business-friendly policies and the welcoming nature of the people of Kebbi.

“This is not just a signing ceremony; it is the foundation of a transformative journey that will reshape Kebbi’s industrial landscape and Nigeria’s cement industry,” Mairawani stated.

The project also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda, prioritising industrial development and private-sector investments.

Also speaking at the event, the minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria, Olawale Edun, highlighted Kebbi State’s strategic location, noting that the cement plant would be well-positioned to serve both local and export markets under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

“This is exactly the kind of investment the federal government seeks to attract—one that will boost productivity, create jobs, and drive economic growth,” Edun remarked.

The minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, praised the state government’s efforts to attract investors and described the project as a testament to the federal government’s business-friendly reforms.

They are optimistic that the MSM Cement Plant will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s cement production capacity while providing much-needed employment and infrastructural development in Kebbi State.