Tell us about the journey of Zeberced Group in Nigeria so far?
As you know, we are Turkish citizens. In 2006 and 2007, there was a global economic crisis. So, even in Turkey, we said we should find alternative places to run our businesses. So, myself and some of my colleagues went to Middle Asia, like Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and similar countries. Later, we decided that these places were already occupied; something had already been done there. We needed to find other places. Then we searched in East Europe, which was the same, and North Africa, also the same because they were very close to the Western countries that had already developed.
So, we checked this and decided to do something in sub-Saharan Africa. We established some criteria. So, then I went to South Africa, Gabon, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Then I came to Nigeria. When I first arrived in Lagos, I thought it was a very tough situation. So, I considered it a bit difficult. But when I came to Abuja, I realised it was a developing city and well-organised. I thought this is one of the best places for my business.
We started with a quarry business with a small crusher. But before establishing our quarry, I went and researched the quarries around the town. I got the cost prices and also market prices. I compared them based on my experience, and I thought this is the best place. So, we applied to get a license. Of course, this stage came with difficulties; it was not easy. But it took almost one year to bring our equipment. At the end of the day, we couldn’t obtain the land we needed. So, we acquired the land according to our discussions with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Ministry of Mines. But we didn’t know that we also needed land from the FCT. At that time, when my equipment finally arrived, I was tired and had suffered for almost a year. I was considering going back. But suddenly, the minister at that time, Mr Modibo, came and saw our investments on the ground, everything was in place, and he supported us.
We started with one small crusher. Our office was a container. We placed plastic chairs on the table, which we brought out in the evening and morning. We started with one crusher, and when we began, Kubwa was like a bush. Now, at the current stage, we have become the biggest quarry and asphalt operators in Africa, not only in Nigeria.
So, according to that, we realised that in 2010, immediately, due to the potential of Nigeria, it would be very important to add value. In 2010, we recognised that industrialisation is crucial in this country. During a presidential visit, under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, we went to Turkey together as part of a delegation. I was in the delegation. We took this delegation to some industrial parks. We said if we get the chance, we would do this kind of project in Nigeria.
Really, after that, they took action and they gave us 250 hectares of land around Idu. So, we prepared all the designs, everything. Now, we have finished many factories. When we complete this project, there will be 40,000 direct employees. We will have 200 factories, railways, power plants, and logistic warehouses, as well as small support services to cater to the big industries. Because 95 percent of the goods we import from abroad, we have the resources and manpower here. We just need to be encouraged. We have a lot of potential.
Everybody is now focusing on residential development. Yes, of course, we need residential areas, but first, people need to be able to feed themselves. We have to create jobs for them. This industrial park in Abuja is going to be a sample project, and we plan to have it in all 36 states. It’s the first organized industrial park project of its kind, and it will also attract foreign investors to come to Nigeria because we know there is manpower and market demand here.
By the way, we have never received any projects from local or federal governments. Whatever we invest and earn in this country, we reinvest. We also have estate projects and different visions. We established the first commercial ready-to-mix batching plant, which is crucial for development. Because this country is developing, especially Abuja, which represents Nigeria and should be the best capital city in Africa given Nigeria’s potential and the potential of its people. However, we need private sector support.
We cannot rely solely on the government. So, because of that, we are willing to expand our operations into waste treatment and solid waste management systems, as well as addressing power issues because we have many visions. We want to work together with the media to add value to this country.
We have strong partnerships and stakeholders. We were the ones who did the airport runway project in collaboration with Julius Berger. We also supply all the materials for the Abuja-Kaduna Road. We know how to contribute to the economy. As I mentioned, when we started the quarry business, it was just a bush. Now, it has become one of the largest operations, bringing economic benefits to the country. If you consider this advantage, we have ample resources for developing this country.
We are here to help, to add value, and to support our people. We want to be partners and collaborate to create a better future because Africa is going to play a critical role in the world, and Nigeria is the giant in Africa. Just as China became a global power due to manpower, resources, and market demand, Nigeria has the same potential.
Every private sector and industry want to establish operations around Lagos, but Lagos cannot accommodate everything. We need to diversify activities across the country to ensure equal growth; otherwise, some areas may develop while others face crises.
First, we need to provide for the people’s basic needs. Then, we can improve their standard of living. We have many visions, and we will come and share these ideas with you over time.
As investors in an industrial park, there will be 200 factories. As a group of companies, we aim to establish between 10 and 15 factories ourselves. We believe that there should be many entrepreneurs like Dangote in this country because we have the potential. We just need support, and we are ready to provide support as well.
So, these are the general details I can provide. In the industrial park, there will be a 100-megawatt power plant, railway facilities, and logistic advantages. We have established our plastic pipe factories and are preparing the factories to produce and build other factories. We also support small industries, micro-industries, to assist larger ones, including artisans, welders, and mechanics.
What is your corporate social responsibility to the host communities around the FCT?
We have signed community development agreements. During that time, we have built schools, police stations, and provided scholarships to young people in Kubwa and the surrounding areas. We are also opening more boreholes that the communities can use. Additionally, we provide support during special occasions like Salah and Ramadan. I won’t go into detail about these things because we have signed agreements with the communities, and for each community, we are developing schools, roads, and other infrastructure as an additional effort.
What should the Nigerian government do for a viable mining sector?
The mining sector in Nigeria faces challenges, and it’s like our bedroom; we can’t allow too many people into it. This situation is not acceptable because there is enormous potential, and everyone is focusing on mining. But first, we need proper exploration and organisation, as well as the attraction of big companies and international guarantees from them. Otherwise, we cannot continue in this manner. Even in FCT, we face similar challenges. We are the only registered quarry operators in the FCT, and there is competition. But we need to be more serious and work together.
How many jobs has Zeberced created?
When we started in 2007, Zeberced employed 40 local people, but now we have grown to employ 1,500. We plan to increase this number to 4,000 in the next two years, Inshallah.
What are the challenges of starting a business in Nigeria from your perspective?
Establishing a business is relatively easy; you can start one in a day. However, in Nigeria, patience is crucial. You need capital, unity, and experience. With these three elements, along with honesty and patience, you can achieve your goals. A feasibility study is essential, and you need to be prepared for challenges. I have colleagues who have been working with me for over 20 years, and we are like a family. We started together in 2007, and we have faced challenges along the way, but we didn’t let small obstacles deter us from our objectives.
