Dangote launches Ibese plant Feb 9

Dangote launches Ibese plant Feb 9

By Raji Adebayo

LEADING Nigerian cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc, has said with the launch of its Ibese Plant, near Ilaro in Ogun State, on February 9, 2012, the nation would end importation of cement.

Dangote Cement, reputed to be the largest producer of the commodity in Africa, is pushing Nigeria to the top in the world as not only a producer of the vital commodity, but also a net exporter soon.

The official commissioning of the multi-billion dollar cement plant in Ibese, with production capacity of six million tonnes per annum, will effectively mark the end of the era of cement importation into the country.

President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said his organisation has taken up the challenge in leading the way to make the nation self-reliant in cement production.

He said the country was losing a huge sum in foreign exchange on importation of cement and other building materials.

According to him, Dangote Cement is poised to ensure that the country not only moves away completely from importing certain commodities, including cement, but also strengthen the local production capacity to make the country a major exporting nation and boost its foreign reserves.

‘Our long-term ambition is to develop 46 million metric tonnes of production and terminal capacity in Africa by 2015. We want to become a truly pan-African champion in the sector, capable of competing globally with the largest cement companies in the world,’ he said.

Dangote’s current projection in cement manufacturing would further extend the company’s investments in Africa. Its cement business, which generated revenues of US$3 billion in 2010, is in 14 African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, the DRC, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.

Group Head, Corporate Communication of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina,  said ‘considering Nigeria’s cement need which is between17 and 19 million tonnes per year, with the coming on stream of Ibese, what Dangote Group alone will be producing will be far more than the country’s demand.

‘That will set the pace for exportation of our products which will lead to increased products, more revenue for the company and better returns for the shareholders.’

Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Lagos Terminal, Mr. Akin Adesokan, also told distributors in Lagos that the coming of Ibese plant would bring a new lease of life in cement business. 

He noted that distributors would now have an effective, smooth and timely transaction with the opening of the Ibese plant.

‘Now, you have business to do. Cement is now within your reach, no delay again. The opening of Ibese plant is for you all. You don’t have to wait endlessly again. As you know, Dangote Cement has beefed up its distribution network with acquisition of more trucks. We are ready to meet your needs and those of Nigerians at large,’ he added.

Source: The Moment