By: Emmanuel Abi Couson
The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM King Obukohwo Monday Whiskey, has called for the reopening of the Madewell Cement factory in Idjerhe.
The monarch believes that reviving the cement industry is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth and job creation.
The Madewell Cement factory was shut down 12 to 15 years ago due to the influence of industry cabals, leaving thousands of workers jobless.
The monarch argues that the cement industry is too large for one company to control, emphasizing the need for competition and multiple players to meet the high demand for cement in Nigeria.
Citing the initial 500,000 metric tonnes of cement that were approved for importation by Madewell, the monarch highlights that only 50,000 metric tonnes reached Nigeria before the shutdown.
The remaining 450,000 metric tonnes are still in China, and the monarch believes that allowing the importation of this cement would help to alleviate the current cement shortage in the country.
The monarch also called for the renewal of licenses for all cement producers to jumpstart an efficient economy.
He believes that President Tinubu, a business-oriented and economically viable leader, will understand the importance of the cement sector to the Nigerian economy.
The monarch’s request to reopen the Madewell Cement factory and renew cement production licenses highlights the importance of the cement industry for Nigeria’s economic growth and job creation.
Addressing the cement shortage and allowing for healthy competition in the cement sector will help to meet the high demand for cement in the country and provide employment opportunities for Nigerian workers.
