Nigeria’s Federal Government estimated the country’s installed cement production capacity to be approximately 39.5 million tpa in 2013, rising from just 2 million tpa in 2002.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for UniCem’s new 2.5 million t cement production line in Akamkpa, President Goodluck Jonathan noted that the country’s increased cement production capacity was a result of the government’s Backward Integration Policy. According to a statement endorsed by Umar Sani, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, the policy was initiated by the government in 2002 to ensure self-sufficiency in cement production.
The President told local press that the government will continue to formulate policies to support and stimulate the manufacturing sector, which forms the backbone of Nigeria’s growth. According to reports, the soon-to-be inaugurated 550 MW Calabar power plant (near Calabar City) will help tackle the energy issues faced by companies operating in Cross River State, and construction work is set to begin on the railway line between Obudu Ranch and Calabar. Furthermore, infrastructural projects such as the dredging of the Calabar River and the construction of a deep-sea port at Ibaka are underway.
Edited from various sources by Rosalie Starling
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