By Bilal Umar
Momentum is building around Kebbi State’s ambitious cement industry project following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and MSM Cement Limited. The agreement, formalized at the Kebbi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, has sparked widespread discussions among industry experts and stakeholders, who see it as a transformative step toward economic and industrial growth.
Governor Nasir Idris described the investment as a “game-changer”, emphasizing that it would not only boost the state’s economy but also position Kebbi as a key player in Nigeria’s highly competitive industrial landscape. The proposed cement factory, with an expected annual production capacity of three million tons, is projected to create 45,000 jobs—20,000 direct and 25,000 indirect—making it one of the largest private-sector employment initiatives in the region.
Driving this ambitious venture is Alhaji Muazzam Mairawani, Chairman and Founder of MSM Group, whose business acumen has played a vital role in Nigeria’s industrial expansion. A graduate of Middlesex University, London, and Informatics Academy, Singapore, Mairawani has built a diversified business portfolio spanning finance, oil and gas, agriculture, energy, and logistics. His investment strategy focuses on sustainability, economic empowerment, and long-term industrial growth, making his partnership with Kebbi State a significant step toward national development.
At the MoU signing, Mairawani highlighted Kebbi’s rich limestone deposits, peaceful environment, and pro-business policies as major factors influencing MSM Cement’s decision to invest. He hailed the agreement as a “landmark moment”, underscoring the factory’s potential to stimulate local businesses, enhance infrastructure, and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
The deal has also drawn praise from the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, who commended Governor Idris for securing a project of such magnitude. He noted that the investment reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s business climate, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic reforms aimed at industrialization and job creation.
Beyond cement production, Kebbi’s increasing prominence in solid mineral exploration is attracting further investment interest. A Chinese firm is reportedly in advanced negotiations with the state government to explore lithium deposits, a project that could generate an additional 50,000 jobs. With high-grade lithium discovered in Shanga and Fakai, Kebbi is emerging as a strategic hub in the rapidly expanding lithium-ion battery market, driven by the global demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
The cement factory represents a major shift in Kebbi’s economic trajectory, moving beyond its traditional agricultural dominance to a more diversified industrial economy. Industry analysts predict that the project will accelerate infrastructure development, increase FDI, and attract complementary industries, further solidifying Kebbi’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
For Governor Nasir Idris, the MoU reflects his administration’s commitment to economic diversification and investment facilitation. Since assuming office in 2023, he has actively engaged investors, streamlined bureaucratic processes, and implemented business-friendly policies to attract large-scale industrial ventures.
As preparations for the factory’s construction progress, optimism among Kebbi residents is rising. Many see the project as a symbol of economic empowerment, with expectations that it will reduce unemployment, improve livelihoods, and drive long-term prosperity.
With MSM Cement Ltd. leading the way, Kebbi is steadily positioning itself as an emerging industrial powerhouse. The foundation has been laid, and if the current momentum continues, the state could soon rival Nigeria’s leading industrial hubs, attracting more investors and reinforcing its role as a model for economic transformation in the North-West region.
